Amnesty International has called on the United Nations Security Council to enforce and renew the arms embargo on South Sudan, alleging that the recent deployment of Ugandan troops in the country represents a “clear breach” of the international restriction.
The appeal comes as South Sudan continues to face political instability and armed conflict, particularly between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and those backing Vice-President Riek Machar. Despite a 2018 peace agreement that formally ended a devastating five-year civil war, tensions have persisted, with sporadic outbreaks of violence across the country.
Fighting earlier this year in the Upper Nile State sparked fresh concerns, prompting Uganda to send troops into South Sudan in March. The Ugandan parliament later confirmed the deployment of the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF), stating it was at the request of President Kiir to prevent a “potential security catastrophe”.
However, Amnesty International said on Wednesday that the troop presence, along with the arrival of military equipment, violated the terms of the UN arms embargo, which is due to expire on 31 May. The rights group cited verified footage showing Ugandan troops landing in the capital Juba and armoured vehicles, including tanks, crossing the border on 17 March.
The 2018 embargo prohibits the sale and transfer of arms and military equipment to South Sudan, with limited exemptions. Amnesty said there is no evidence that either the Ugandan or South Sudanese authorities notified the UN Security Council about the troop movements or equipment, as required under the terms of the embargo.
“While the UN arms embargo has not been a panacea, the human rights situation would almost certainly be worse without it,” said Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty’s regional director for East and Southern Africa. “Now is not the time to lift the embargo and add more weapons into the fray. Enforce it and protect civilian lives.”
Amnesty also raised concerns over the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces’ alleged continued use of attack helicopters, which were reported to be non-operational in 2020 due to the embargo on spare parts. The organisation suggested the aircraft’s recent use indicates that restrictions have been circumvented.
Medical charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF) reported that one of its hospitals came under helicopter gunship fire in May, resulting in the deaths of seven people.
AFP said it had contacted the Ugandan army for a response, but no comment had been received by the time of publication.
