Sudan abstains again in UNGA vote on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
February 23, 2023 (KHARTOUM) – Sudan once again abstained from voting on a non-binding resolution by the United Nations Assembly General demanding Russia withdraw troops from Ukraine and end hostilities.
To mark the first anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, 141 of 193 UNAG members adopted a resolution calling on Russia to end aggression on its neighbouring country.
Seven countries voted against including Belarus, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Eritrea, Mali, Nicaragua, Russia and Syria. While 32 others including Sudan, Ethiopia and South Africa abstained.
The Assembly General reiterated its demand that Russia “immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw all of its military forces from the territory of Ukraine and called for a cessation of hostilities,” reads the resolution.
On October 16, 2022, Sudan abstained to endorse a UNGA resolution condemning Russia’s annexation of four Ukrainian regions and affirming support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
During a meeting with the head of the military-controlled Sovereign Council Abdel Fattah al-Burhan in Khartoum on February 9, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov praised Sudan’s support for his country during the UNAG meetings attended by the former personally.
During the same meeting, al-Burhan praised Russia’s supportive stances toward Sudan in regional and international forums.
Some African countries such as Mauritania and Estonia that were part of Lavrov’s recent African tour approved the GA resolution.
As a permanent member of the Security Council, Russia vetoed any resolution related to its invasion of Ukraine. As a result, the AG has replaced the UN body tasked with maintaining international security, even if its decisions are only an expression of international opinion.
(ST)