Sudan’s Burhan thanks Putin for Russia’s veto at UN

December 1, 2024 (PORT SUDAN) – Sudanese military leader General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan expressed gratitude to Russian President Vladimir Putin for Russia’s veto of a UN Security Council resolution to protect civilians in Sudan’s ongoing conflict.

During a Sunday meeting, Burhan conveyed his thanks in a letter to Putin delivered by the Russian ambassador to Sudan, Andrey Chernobol. The Sovereign Council, in a statement, said the letter emphasized the importance of strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation between the two nations.

Burhan praised Russia’s veto as a “noble stance” that would solidify ties between Moscow and Khartoum. Russia blocked the British and Sierra Leonean-backed resolution on Nov. 18. The resolution called for an immediate ceasefire and dialogue to de-escalate the conflict while condemning attacks by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on civilians in El Fasher, Gezira state, and other areas.

The resolution sought to address the humanitarian crisis resulting from the fighting between the Sudanese army, led by Burhan, and the paramilitary RSF commanded by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo.

This move by Burhan signals a deepening of ties between Sudan and Russia amidst increasing international pressure to end the conflict and protect civilians caught in the crossfire.