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Russia has officially vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution aimed at implementing an immediate ceasefire in Sudan.
Let’s bring you up to speed: In April of 2023, a civil war erupted in Sudan between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF), triggered by a power struggle following the 2019 ousting of dictator Omar al-Bashir. The conflict, rooted in disagreements over merging the RSF into the national army and controlling the country, quickly spiraled into widespread violence, forcing many to flee their homes and plunging the nation into a deep humanitarian crisis. Both sides have committed horrific acts, particularly in places like Darfur, where old ethnic tensions have led to the genocide of civilians.
What’s going on now: Today, Russia vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Sudan and the provision of humanitarian aid to millions affected by the ongoing war. The resolution, drafted by the United Kingdom and Sierra Leone, sought to halt the war between the SAF and the RSF and initiate talks for a national ceasefire. While 14 of the 15 council members, including China, voted in favor, Russia stood alone in opposing it, citing concerns over Sudanese sovereignty and rejecting what it described as external interference in the country’s internal affairs.
Reactions from the US & UK: Following the veto, US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield said, “It is shocking that Russia has vetoed an effort to save lives – though perhaps, it shouldn’t be. They claim it is because of Sudanese sovereignty. But Sudan supports the resolution.” She added, “for months, Russia has obstructed and obfuscated, standing in the way of council action to address the catastrophic situation in Sudan and playing … both sides of the conflict, to advance its own political objectives at the expense of Sudanese lives.”
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy called Russia’s block “nasty” and “cynical.” He added, “One country stood in the way of the council speaking with one voice. One country is the blocker. How many more Sudanese have to be killed, how many more women have to be raped, how many more children have to go without food before Russia will act? Russia will have to explain itself to the entire United Nations membership now.”
