Russia is accused by the US of sponsoring both sides of the conflict in Sudan

Washington has previously claimed that Moscow was playing both sides of the conflict to further its political goals, but on Monday the United States accused Russia at the United Nations of sponsoring the two warring groups in Sudan.

Before a scheduled transfer to civilian government, the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) engaged in a power struggle in April 2023, sparking the world’s greatest displacement and famine crises.

A draft resolution from the U.N. Security Council in November that urged the warring parties to immediately end hostilities and guarantee the delivery of humanitarian supplies was vetoed by Russia. The language was approved by the remaining 14 council members.

“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,” U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Linda Thomas-Greenfield said to the council Monday, without providing any further information.

According to a U.S. mission to the U.N. spokeswoman, Washington is aware of Russia’s “ongoing interest in Sudan’s gold trade” and denounces any material assistance for the warring parties, “whether it be through illicit gold trading or the provision of military equipment.” They were asked to clarify.

“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,” a representative for the United States at the UN said.

Russian deputy ambassador to the U.N. Dmitry Polyanskiy responded, saying, “We regret that the U.S. tries to judge other world powers by its own yardstick.”

“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,” stated the president.

Reuters could not immediately get in touch with the warring factions in Sudan for comment.

In December, Russian Ambassador to the United Nations Vassily Nebenzia denied “fabrications spread by Western countries and their media” that Moscow was attempting to use both sides to its benefit in the conflict.

Speaking to her peers on Sudan, a subject that has occupied her four years at the global body, Thomas-Greenfield grew visibly distraught at what she predicted would probably be her final council meeting.

“For all the disappointment that I couldn’t do more, that we – all of us – didn’t do more – I still remain hopeful,” she declared. “Hopeful that the representatives sitting around this table – the colleagues who have become friends – will continue this sacred mission, this ultimate responsibility.”

Biden, the president, appointed Thomas-Greenfield. On January 20, Biden will be replaced by Donald Trump.