Russia vetoed a UN Security Council resolution aimed at ending the ongoing war in Sudan, which has raged between two rival generals since April 2023.
The draft resolution, authored by Britain and Sierra Leone, urged an immediate ceasefire and the start of negotiations for a lasting truce.
Despite 14 council members supporting the resolution, Russia stood alone in opposition. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy criticized the veto, labeling Russia as "the blocker" and "an enemy of peace," accusing it of undermining global efforts to stabilize Sudan.
The conflict pits General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, leader of Sudan’s regular army, against General Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, commander of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The war, which followed a 2021 military coup, has plunged the nation into a humanitarian crisis, with over 11 million displaced and tens of thousands dead.
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During negotiations, Russia appeared increasingly aligned with General Burhan, a stark shift from its previous abstentions on Sudan-related votes. Meanwhile, Sudan’s military has accused the UAE of supplying weapons to the RSF, a claim Abu Dhabi denies.
The resolution also sought to curb external interference and enforce an arms embargo in Darfur. It called on both sides to protect civilians, halt sexual violence, and ensure humanitarian access. However, the UN’s inability to enforce past resolutions has cast doubt on the effectiveness of such measures.
As fighting intensifies, millions face severe food shortages, and the civilian toll continues to rise. Critics argue that geopolitical divisions, particularly between Russia and Western nations, have paralyzed the Security Council's ability to address the crisis effectively.
This latest veto underscores the global community's struggle to intervene decisively in Sudan’s escalating conflict.
