Washington warns foreign support and advanced weapons are deepening Sudan’s conflict and increasing regional risks

The United States has proposed expanding the United Nations arms embargo on Sudan’s Darfur region to cover the entire country, warning that the conflict could draw in more regional actors.

The existing Darfur arms embargo, in place for more than two decades, is due to expire on September 12, 2026, unless the UN Security Council agrees to extend it.

US envoy Massad Boulos told the Council that Washington had proposed a resolution to extend the embargo nationwide, include drones under the restrictions and strengthen monitoring of violations.

The proposal would also increase coordination between UN expert panels investigating violations of the arms embargo, asset freezes and travel bans imposed on parties to the conflict.

The move comes as Sudan’s war enters its fourth year, with tens of thousands killed and millions displaced. The Sudanese army controls much of the country’s central and eastern areas, while the Rapid Support Forces hold Darfur and parts of the south.

UN officials have warned that the growing use of sophisticated weapons, particularly armed drones, points to continued external support for both sides.

Russia, which holds veto power on the Security Council, warned against measures that could affect the Sudanese army.

The conflict has caused some of the worst violence in Darfur, where displacement camps have been attacked and civilians have faced repeated mass killings.

Peacebuilding activist Eva Khair urged the Council to enforce the existing embargo and extend it across Sudan, saying continued weapons flows were contributing to the escalating conflict.