New York -
The UN Security Council is considering a way to place sanctions against both sides of the power struggle in South Sudan as fighting continues despite several ceasefire agreements.
According to a diplomatic source who gave details on condition of anonymity, a draft resolution has been circulated in the council calling for a sanctions committee that could impose measures amid the violent power struggle between President Salva Kiir and his former deputy, Riek Machar.
The conflict has raged since December 2013.
Dina Kawar, Jordan's ambassador to the UN, confirmed that sanctions were under discussion.
“I think it's important because it shows that we are serious about things moving,” Kawar said.
Kawar said it was unacceptable that elections have been delayed two years amid a horrific humanitarian situation.
“We can't just go on like that, people are dying,” Kawar said.
South Sudan has repeatedly called on the council not to impose sanctions.
Francis Deng, South Sudan's ambassador to the UN, told the council Tuesday that sanctions “would only generate adversarial relationship and aggravate the situation.”
The conflict has killed tens of thousands and displaced nearly 2 million people.
Several declared ceasefires have not been able to stop the fighting.
The most recent one, which was signed on February 1, reportedly foresees a power-sharing arrangement between the government and the rebels.
Sapa-dpa