US Proposes Expanding Sudan Arms Embargo to Entire Country

The United States is escalating its efforts to quell the conflict in Sudan by proposing a nationwide arms embargo, a significant shift from its previous, limited sanctions targeting the Darfur region.

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the US proposal would cover drones, related technologies and components, while strengthening the work of the sanctions panel of experts tasked with monitoring violations.

This strategic move, announced by senior advisor Massad Boulos to the UN Security Council, aims to restrict the flow of drones, related technologies, and components to the warring factions. The US believes that by limiting the belligerents' ability to rearm and replace losses, their incentive to compromise will increase, potentially forcing them back to the negotiating table.

However, the proposal faces significant hurdles within the UN Security Council. Russia has already voiced strong opposition, stating it will not support measures that weaken the Sudanese army's capabilities. China remains cautious, casting doubt on the adoption of the embargo in its current form. The current Darfur embargo expires September 12, making the coming weeks critical for Washington's diplomatic efforts.

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it would not accept measures affecting the Sudanese army’s capabilities.

Sudan's army chief, Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, has publicly dismissed the potential impact of the sanctions, asserting that they will not deter the army from its objective of retaking territories controlled by the rival Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This stance highlights the stark contrast between Washington's diplomatic pressure and the Sudanese military leadership's continued pursuit of a military victory. The RSF is also reportedly reinforcing its positions and relying on its own supply networks.

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they would neither affect Sudan nor weaken the armed forces’ resolve.

The US initiative underscores the severity of the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, described as one of the world's largest. The expanded use of drones by warring parties, striking not only front lines but also civilian infrastructure, has intensified the conflict and civilian suffering. The US hopes that making rearmament more difficult and costly will shift military calculations towards a peaceful settlement.

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As long as each side believes it can replace its losses and obtain more drones, ammunition, fuel and financing, its incentive to compromise remains limited. If supplies become more difficult and costly, military calculations could gradually shift toward a settlement.