UN chief calls for Sudan sanctions

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged the Security Council to impose an arms embargo on South Sudan, sanction leaders and commanders who are blocking the implementation of a peace deal and fortify a UN peacekeeping mission.

Heavy fighting involving tanks and helicopters raged in South Sudan between troops loyal to President Salva Kiir and those backing Vice President Riek Machar.

The violence, which erupted in the capital Juba five days ago, risks a return to civil war in the world’s newest nation.