S. Sudan seek Nigeria’s support on arms embargo

South Sudan has reached out to Nigeria for their support to push United Nations Security Council (UNSC) lift the arms embargo.

Juba was slapped with restriction on sale of arms and military equipment in July 13, 2018.

President Salva Kiir dispatched a high level delegation led by South Sudan Special Envoy to Nigeria, Ambassador Albino Ayuel Mathom, to lobby for support from Africa’s populous nation.

Ayuel was received by Nigeria State Minister of Defence, Bashir Salihi Magashi, at the State House in Abuja where he met President Mohamadu Buhari for diplomatic talks.

The envoy also had a session with former President Olusegun Obasanjo who he handed a hand-deliver a letter from President Kiir, an invite to visit Juba for bilateral talks between South Sudan and Abuja.

The visit was to strengthen the bilateral relationship between South Sudan and Nigeria.

UN Security Council imposed an arms embargo on South Sudan’s territory, legally obliging all UN member states to prevent the direct or indirect supply, sale, or transfer of arms and related material – including ammunition, military vehicles, and spare parts.

“We have an arms embargo.” Soldiers need to graduate, and there are no arms. “Nigeria has been friendly to our people, and this is the time to look for an old friend,” said Amb. Mathom.

The President of the Afrexim Bank, Dr Benedict Oramah, assured South Sudan of assistance in any way he could.

According to Ambassador Albino Ayuel, all the meetings are in the interest of peace and stability for South Sudan.