South Sudanese president urges removal of sanctions, arms embargo

South Sudan President Salva Kiir on Wednesday called for the lifting of sanctions and arms embargo imposed following the outbreak of a conflict in December 2013.

Speaking during the opening of the Revitalized Transitional National Legislative Assembly in Juba, capital of South Sudan, Kiir said the sanctions and arms embargo are hindering progress and security reform.

"To our international partners, South Sudan's foreign policy is underpinned by peaceful coexistence, regional cooperation, and mutual respect. However, I reiterate our call for the immediate lifting of sanctions and the arms embargo," said Kiir.

South Sudan has been under a United Nations arms embargo since 2018, which prohibits weapons transfers and external military support to the country's warring parties, with sanctions also imposed by the United States and several European countries.

In addition, Kiir urged all parties to the 2018 revitalized peace agreement to recommit without setting pre-conditions toward the implementation of the now fragile peace pact.

He encouraged all hold-out opposition parties that did not sign the peace agreement to join the peace process to realize reconciliation, unity, and nation-building.

"The opposition forces that are for peace must be welcomed and immediately integrated so that we have one national army," Kiir said.

He also stressed that peace, security, and national unity remain the top priorities of his government.