New York: The United States has accused Russia of financing both factions in Sudan’s ongoing conflict, marking an escalation from prior allegations that Moscow was exploiting the war for political gain. The claims were made during a United Nations Security Council meeting on Monday, signaling growing tensions over Russia’s role in the crisis.
Sudan descended into chaos in April 2023, as a power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) derailed a planned transition to civilian governance. The conflict has since triggered a massive displacement and hunger crisis, becoming one of the world’s gravest humanitarian emergencies.
In November, Russia vetoed a draft resolution at the U.N. Security Council that called for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Sudan and the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid. The resolution was supported by the other 14 council members. U.S. Ambassador to the U.N., Linda Thomas-Greenfield, criticized Moscow’s actions during Monday’s meeting.
“Russia chose obstruction: standing alone as it voted to imperil civilians, while funding both sides of the conflict – yes, that’s what I said: both sides,” Thomas-Greenfield asserted without providing additional evidence.
When pressed for details, a spokesperson for the U.S. mission to the U.N. pointed to Russia’s involvement in Sudan’s gold trade. The spokesperson condemned any support for the warring factions, whether through illicit gold trading or military supplies. “We believe Sudanese authorities’ gold mining cooperation with sanctioned Russian entities and individuals could prove inimical to Sudan’s long-term interests and the aspirations of the Sudanese people for an end to the war,” the spokesperson stated.
Russia Rejects Allegations
Responding to the accusations, Russia’s deputy U.N. Ambassador Dmitry Polyanskiy dismissed the claims, criticizing the U.S. for projecting its own practices onto others. “We regret that the U.S. tries to judge other world powers by its own yardstick,” he remarked.
Polyanskiy accused the U.S. of pursuing exploitative relationships with other nations, adding, “It’s obvious that in the Pax Americana which our American colleagues try to preserve at any price, relations with other countries are built only on their exploitation and criminal schemes aimed at U.S. enrichment.”
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Russia’s U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia had previously labeled similar allegations as “fabrications spread by Western countries and their media,” asserting that Moscow had no vested interest in Sudan’s war.
Emotional Farewell from Thomas-Greenfield
The meeting marked what Thomas-Greenfield suggested could be her final address at the U.N. Security Council. She became visibly emotional as she reflected on the situation in Sudan, a crisis she has prioritized during her tenure.
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“For all the disappointment that I couldn’t do more, that we – all of us – didn’t do more – I still remain hopeful,” she said. “Hopeful that the representatives sitting around this table – the colleagues who have become friends – will continue this sacred mission, this ultimate responsibility.”
Thomas-Greenfield was appointed by President Joe Biden. With Biden’s term concluding on January 20, Donald Trump is set to assume the presidency.
