With little prospect of a political solution on the horizon, the United
Nations peacekeeping chief has urged the U.N. Security Council to impose an arms
embargo on South Sudan and blacklist more rival leaders.
As the world's newest country marked four years of independence from
Sudan, Herve Ladsous briefed the council about developments, including alleged
atrocities by government forces that include gang rape, forced castration, and
burning children alive.
"This situation is absolutely appalling. What really should be
looked at is a possibility of more sanctions towards more leaders. There should
be a decision about an arms embargo because it is really completely
questionable that the very meagre resources that the country has go into buying
more weapons," said Ladsous.
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| The UN is pushing for an arms embargo and more sanctions against South Sudan |
The 15-member Security Council last week blacklisted six rival
generals in South Sudan, the first people to be subjected to a global asset
freeze and travel ban.
"I think it is no less than seven ceasefire agreements that were
signed, not a single of which was implemented and beyond that we do not see a
political solution. I cannot understand that leaders can show so little regard
for the welfare of their population."
He said it was possible crimes against humanity and war crimes were
being committed in South Sudan and those responsible needed to be held "accountable
for this absolutely atrocious behaviour."
Last month Ladsous slammed Kiir for hindering efforts to protect
civilians by blocking U.N. attack helicopters and surveillance drones and
declaring that U.N. personnel caught taking photos will be deemed spies.