Russia vetoed a UN Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire in Sudan on November 18, 2024, which aimed to address the conflict between rival generals Al Burhan and Daglo. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy denounced the veto as a disgrace, while Russia’s deputy UN ambassador criticized the resolution for its purported biases. The conflict has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and left millions in a humanitarian crisis.
On November 18, 2024, Russia exercised its veto power in the United Nations Security Council to block a resolution aimed at instigating an immediate ceasefire in Sudan. This draft resolution, proposed by Britain and Sierra Leone, sought to halt the ongoing conflict between two rival generals, which has persisted since April 2023. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy condemned Russia’s action as a disgrace, highlighting the detrimental consequences of such a decision for both humanitarian efforts and the council’s credibility. The ongoing fighting has resulted in significant civilian casualties, with millions facing dire humanitarian conditions.
Russia’s representative, Dmitry Polyanskiy, criticized the resolution for its alleged post-colonial bias and asserted it omitted references to Sudan’s legitimate authorities. The conflict has exacerbated an already severe humanitarian crisis, with UN estimates indicating that tens of thousands have perished, and over 11 million people displaced, including approximately 3.1 million fleeing to neighboring nations. Against the backdrop of continued violence and accusations of war crimes, the resolution proposed crucial measures for the protection of civilians and humanitarian access, the efficacy of which remains uncertain even if it had been approved.
The conflict in Sudan escalated in April 2023, following a power struggle between General Abdel Fattah Al Burhan and General Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, leading to widespread violence and humanitarian crises. The United Nations has struggled to address international conflicts effectively, often hindered by disagreements among its permanent members, particularly between Russia and the U.S. The proposed resolution aimed to address the urgent need for peace and humanitarian aid amidst the rising death toll and displacement due to ongoing hostilities.
The veto by Russia regarding the ceasefire resolution signals a significant impediment to international efforts aimed at resolving the conflict in Sudan. This blockade highlights ongoing geopolitical tensions that complicate collective action within the UN Security Council. With millions suffering from the consequences of this violent struggle, the need for a unified approach to restore peace and protect civilians remains imperative, yet elusive in the current climate.
Original Source: jordantimes.com
