Turning to Africa, the UN is not lifting sanctions on South Sudan. Beatrice is in Nairobi with more on that story. Beatrice, this comes at a delicate moment for the country as it tries to find peace.

Here in Africa we are keeping a close eye on developments in South Sudan. The United Nations Security Council has decided to renew sanctions against the war-torn nation. The asset freezes and travel bans will be extended until July. The UN says man-made hindrances are preventing lasting peace in the country. Beryl Ooro has more.

The resolution to renew sanctions has also been expanded to include assets freezes and travel bans for six South Sudanese individuals.

NIKKI HALEY, U.S. REPRESENTATIVE TO THE UNITED NATIONS "The United States has lost its patience. The status-quo is unacceptable. It is long past time for all of us to demand better for the South Sudanese people."

However, the UN Security Council maintains that South Sudan still has a chance to decide on the way forward.

NIKKI HALEY, U.S. REPRESENTATIVE TO THE UNITED NATIONS "The Security Council has not imposed an arms embargo even though the need is obvious. The Security Council has not sanctioned a single individual since 2015, even as the violence associated with the renewed civil war has killed thousands of people. The South Sudanese government actually promoted one of the handful of individuals the Council previously sanctioned to Chief of Defense Forces."

Nine council members voted in favour of the resolution, while six abstained. So, although the measure has been approved, it's not by a large majority.

TEKEDA ALEMU, ETHIOPIAN REPRESENTATIVE TO THE UNITED NATIONS "We know that the draft in front of us does not enjoy the support of IGAD and the African Union. Nor does it meet the consensus of the members of this Council, and we know it. A divided Council on this issue will not be helpful to the peace process and it will not send the right message to the parties."

Despite ongoing negotiations, the various parties involved still have to come up with a lasting framework for peace.

As UN Security Council members are divided between regional mediation efforts and taking action to prevent the ongoing conflict.

AKUEI BONA MALWAL, SOUTH SUDANESE REPRESENTATIVE TO THE UN "The peace process in South Sudan is at a critical juncture right now. There is a light at the end of the tunnel and the Annex that is attached to this resolution is unfortunate, it's not helpful. The danger is that it might not give the desire that is hoped by those who have supported this resolution."

Meanwhile, civilians' lives hang in the balance.