Russia calls for UN support of Sudan government’s peace efforts, warns against “parallel steps”
February 26, 2025 (NEW YORK) – Russia urged the UN Security Council on Wednesday to unequivocally endorse the Sudanese government’s peace initiative, warning that “parallel political steps” could undermine efforts to stabilize the war-torn country.
Speaking at a UNSC briefing on Sudan, Russia’s Permanent Representative Vassily Nebenzia highlighted the government’s “road map for a settlement” announced on February 9, stating it contained “key elements” for a transition to peace.
“We are convinced that it is our unequivocal endorsement for that initiative that could become a clear demonstration of the sincere commitment of the UNSC to resolving the crisis,” Nebenzia said.
He cautioned against “any parallel political steps to dilute this good initiative by Port Sudan.”
The statement comes as Sudan approaches the third year of an armed conflict that has created a dire humanitarian crisis and fueled ethnic violence.
Nebenzia acknowledged the ongoing efforts of regional and international mediators but stressed that a peaceful solution remained elusive.
He credited the Sudanese authorities, particularly the national armed forces, with “slowly but surely stabilizing” the situation on the ground by “restoring order and returning certain towns and neighborhoods to normal life.”
Russia, he said, supports these steps by the army and the Sovereignty Council.
While acknowledging the “dire” humanitarian situation, Nebenzia emphasized that UN efforts to improve the situation must be “well balanced and agreed upon with the current Government of Sudan.”
He pointed to the Sudanese authorities’ cooperation with humanitarian efforts, citing the extension of authorization for the Adré border crossing with Chad and efforts to streamline aid delivery.
Nebenzia also praised the Sudanese government’s national plan for the protection of civilians, developed in January, which includes an inter-agency mechanism overseen by the Ministry of Interior Affairs.
He argued that the Security Council should support these government-led instruments rather than creating “security mechanisms that are divorced from reality.”
“No one can provide greater support for peaceful civilians in Sudan than their own Government and their army,” Nebenzia stated.
The Russian envoy reiterated that a military solution was not possible and called for the Sudanese opposing parties to agree on a lasting ceasefire.
This, he said, would pave the way for an “intra-Sudanese dialogue” involving all key political, ethnic, and religious groups to determine the country’s future governance.
The UN’s role, Nebenzia emphasized, should be to “complement and accompany this process, rather than impose unacceptable solutions.”
He welcomed the participation of the Permanent Representative of Sudan and representatives from Angola, Egypt, and Kenya at the briefing. In addition, Nebenzia specifically thanked Ms. Edem Wosornu, Director of OCHA Operations, for her briefing.
(ST)