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Russia Torpedoes New Protections for Sudanese Civilians
The power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, which turned into a vicious armed conflict in April 2023, has caused what is today the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. According to the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, the conflict has killed more than 20,000 people, displaced 11 million, and half of the country’s population of 25 million is struggling with acute food insecurity. In some regions, lack of food rises to the level of famine.
On November 18, the United Nations voted on a resolution, sponsored by the United Kingdom and Siera Leone, which called for increased protection for civilians, including an immediate cease-fire between Sudan’s warring parties, and the delivery of humanitarian aid.
Fourteen members of the Security Council voted to adopt the resolution. One, Russia, voted against. And with that, the mandate aimed at helping to safeguard and feed the people of Sudan died.
“It is shocking that Russia has vetoed an effort to save lives – though perhaps, it shouldn’t be,” said Linda Thomas-Greenfield U.S. Permanent representative to the UN. “They claim it is because of Sudanese sovereignty. But Sudan supports the resolution.”
“Today, the Council would have come together to call for a comprehensive, nationwide ceasefire; for increased protection of civilians; and removal of obstructions to the unhindered flow of humanitarian aid across Sudan. … We would have demanded that the RSF cease attacks in El Fasher, Gezira, and elsewhere in Sudan. And called for both the RSF and the SAF to be held accountable for their commitments in the Jeddah Declaration.”
The Jeddah Declaration is a 2023 commitment to protect the country’s civilians, signed by the Sudanese Armed Forces, the Rapid Support Forces, and the Declaration’s two sponsors, the United States and Saudi Arabia.
“Russia claims it is for and with Africans, but votes against a resolution supported by Africans, for Africans,” said Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield.
“It is unconscionable that Russia would callously and cynically stand in the way of demanding these actions – actions to save lives in the world’s worst humanitarian crisis.”
“We are watching the situation closely and will continue to call out abuses and those who facilitate them, including, clearly, Russia,” said Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield.
“We must continue to amplify the voices of Sudanese people, who are calling for peace and prosperity, democracy and justice. And Russia can’t stand in the way of that.”