The United Nations Security Council voted unanimously on Thursday, October 8, 2026, to extend existing sanctions on Sudan for two months after the United States withdrew a proposal to broaden the arms embargo. The sanctions will remain in force until December 11, 2026, while council members continue negotiations over possible changes.
Washington had sought to extend the arms embargo beyond Darfur to all warring parties across Sudan and restrict the supply of drones and dual-use technology. However, it withdrew the proposal after failing to secure broad support, with Russia opposing the expansion and several council members favouring a standard one-year renewal of the existing measures.
The Security Council first imposed sanctions under Resolution 1591 in 2005, banning arms supplies to warring factions in Darfur and introducing travel bans and asset freezes against violators. The council also extended the mandate of the panel of experts monitoring the sanctions until January 11, 2027.
The October 8 vote marked the second short-term extension of the sanctions regime. It was previously renewed for one month on September 11, 2026, because of divisions over expanding the embargo.