30/08/2025
MPs Warn UN Arms Embargo Leaves South Sudan Militarily Exposed
Juba — August 21, 2025 — Members of Parliament for the Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) have raised alarms over the continued UN arms embargo on South Sudan, saying it has left the country vulnerable to aggression from its neighbors.
During Wednesday’s parliamentary session addressing national territorial integrity, MP Bona Deng Lawrence of the National Agenda Party, representing Aweil South County, stated that the embargo has hindered military readiness. He warned that South Sudan’s inability to acquire essential arms and ammunition casts doubt on its sovereignty.
“Sovereignty isn’t only protected by laws — it must be backed by power,” Lawrence said, pointing to the strength of global powers such as the U.S., Russia, and China as evidence that robust military capability deters conflict. He added, “Without the means to defend ourselves, our neighbors may think they can encroach with impunity.”
Similarly, Victor Omuho Ohide, representing Eastern Equatoria, referenced border disputes with Kenya, particularly the shifting boundary around Lokichogio and Nadapal. He implied that strategic military posture might sometimes be necessary to preserve territorial integrity.
The MPs urged a briefing from the Ministries of Defense, Foreign Affairs, and the Border Commission to outline a plan forward.
Meanwhile, civil society voices called for non-violent conflict resolution. Edmund Yakani, Director of CEPO, highlighted the human cost of militarization and stressed that border communities must not be turned into battlegrounds.
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