Russia vetoes U.N. resolution on Sudan humanitarian crisis
November 18, 2024 (UNITED NATIONS) – Russia blocked a United Nations Security Council resolution aimed at addressing the humanitarian crisis in Sudan on Monday as the country grapples with nearly 18 months of brutal civil war.
The draft resolution, which received support from 14 of the 15 council members, including China, urged the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to honour their commitments under the Jeddah Declaration to protect civilians and cease hostilities. It also called for unimpeded humanitarian access and a nationwide ceasefire.
Britain’s foreign secretary, David Lammy, who chaired the high-level meeting, sharply condemned Russia’s veto, calling it a “disgrace” and accusing President Vladimir Putin of obstructing peace efforts in Sudan and fuelling conflict across Africa.
“Shame on Putin for waging an aggressive war in Ukraine,” Lammy said. “Shame on Putin for using mercenaries to spread conflict and violence across Africa.”
Russia’s deputy ambassador to the U.N., Dmitry Polyanskiy, dismissed Lammy’s remarks as “neo-British colonialism” and argued that the resolution undermined Sudan’s sovereignty.
Polyanskiy accused the British draft resolution of attempting to delegitimize the Sudanese government by misrepresenting its authority on civilian protection, border security, and the right to authorize foreign intervention. He further criticizes the draft for sidelining Sudan’s government and ignoring its legitimate role in these critical areas, highlighting the deliberate omission of any mention of Sudanese authorities in the text.
“We believe that it is fundamentally important that any steps in the humanitarian area be agreed exclusively with the central Sudanese authorities,” he stressed.
The Sudanese Foreign Ministry immediately welcomed Russia’s veto of the British-proposed UN Security Council resolution on Sudan. Sudan praised Russia’s stance as upholding justice, respecting national sovereignty, and supporting Sudan’s independence.
Sudan hopes this action sets a precedent to prevent the Security Council from being used to “impose guardianship on peoples and to serve the narrow agenda of some powers,” which undermines the Council’s role in promoting international peace and security.
Sudan’s ambassador, Al-Harith Idris, echoed this sentiment, criticizing countries for equating the Sudanese government with the RSF, which he described as “rebel militias” that should be designated as terrorist organizations.
Idris urged the Council to support Sudan’s national plan for civilian protection and accused international actors, including the United Arab Emirates, of supplying weapons to the RSF.