UN Security Council (UNSC) rejected a U.S-drafted resolution on imposing an arms embargo on the world’s youngest nation, South Sudan.
U.S had been pressuring on UNSC to put sanctions on South Sudan in an effort to end the three-year war.
The measure presented by U.S only managed to garner seven votes in its favour in the 15-member council while eight countries including China, Japan and Russia abstained.
Nine votes and no veto are required for resolutions to be adopted in the council.
U.S, backed by Britain and France, had argued that cutting off the arms flow was urgently needed following UN warnings of a risk of mass atrocities.
U.S also had sought to have rebel leader Dr Reik Machar, army chief Paul Malong and Information Minister Michael Makuei put on a sanctions blacklist, subjecting them to an assets freeze and a global travel ban.
South Sudan plunged into civil war in December of 2013. The conflict has left tens of thousands killed and more than 3.1 million people displaced.
