UN Row Escalates as Russia Vetoes Ceasefire Resolution for Sudan

Russia has vetoed a UN resolution backed by the UK and US calling for a ceasefire in Sudan’s civil war, which has led to tens of thousands of deaths and a humanitarian crisis. UK and US representatives condemned the veto, while Russia cited concerns over Sudanese sovereignty. The resolution sought to halt hostilities between the army and RSF, but without Russian support, it was rejected by the Security Council.

A recent resolution proposed by the UK and Sierra Leone to call for an immediate ceasefire in the ongoing civil war in Sudan has been vetoed by Russia at the United Nations Security Council. The resolution aimed to halt hostilities between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) while prioritizing civilian protection. The veto has been met with strong criticism from UK and US representatives, who condemned Russia’s actions as detrimental to efforts to alleviate the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Sudan, where tens of thousands have died and millions are displaced. The conflict, which has persisted for 19 months, has escalated tensions and humanitarian suffering, provoking a fierce international diplomatic row at the UN.

The ongoing civil war in Sudan has resulted from a power struggle between the Sudanese army and the RSF, starting in April of the previous year. Prolonged violence has triggered a humanitarian crisis, with reports of severe human rights violations and widespread famine threatening the lives of millions. The international community, particularly the United Kingdom and the United States, has made concerted efforts to seek a resolution through the UN Security Council, only to encounter resistance from Russia, which has expressed concerns over foreign intervention in Sudanese sovereignty and has blocked peace initiatives.

The rejection of the ceasefire resolution by Russia underscores the complexities of international diplomacy regarding the Sudan crisis. Despite unanimous support from the other Security Council members, Russia’s veto raises further questions about the international response to ongoing human rights abuses and the dire humanitarian situation in Sudan. Both the UK and US officials have expressed deep frustration, questioning the implications of such a veto on efforts to alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people.

Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk