South Sudan’s Presidential Spokesman Ateny Wek Ateny has slammed a decision by the UN Security Council Wednesday renewing until 15 April sanctions including a travel ban and asset freeze on designated individuals.

These measures were imposed by resolution 2206 (2015) and directed at those blocking peace in the country.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj, Ateny said they were surprised by the decision, saying President Salva Kiir’s government is committed to implementing the peace agreement signed with the armed opposition in August last year.

He explained that his government is waiting for a list of nominees from the armed opposition group to form a transitional government.

“We are waiting for Riek Machar to come to Juba to become the First Vice President and submit the list of his ministers to the President of the Republic so that they are appointed in ministerial positions, so we are waiting for him,” he said.

“What will benefit those who are calling for sanctions against South Sudan?” Ateny asked. “If sanctions are imposed, the citizens will not benefit, it will instead complicate the implementations and other things.”

The presidential spokesman described the decision to hit South Sudan with sanctions as “unjust”, claiming it may complicate peace implementation in the country.

On Wednesday, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 2271 (2016) under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter. The Council also decided to extend until 15 May the mandate of the Panel of Experts overseeing the sanctions, with the intention of reviewing the mandate and deciding, no later than 15 April, on its further renewal.