Russia's motivations for using the “veto” and its impact on the future of the political process in Sudan – The face of truth – ✍️ Ibrahim Shaqlawi
The day before yesterday, Russia used its veto in the UN Security Council against a British draft resolution aimed at undermining Sudanese sovereignty by imposing restrictions on the Sudanese government, given the current crisis in the country. This position, which caused widespread relief in the Sudanese streets and great discontent among supporters of the coordination of civilian forces “Progress”, opened the way to questions about Russia's political and security motivations behind this approach and its impact on the political process in Sudan. Russia's use of its veto in favor of Sudan is seen as a major diplomatic shift that reflects a shift in its strategy in the region and has profound effects on Sudanese-Russian relations. In this article, we examine this idea with some analysis in order to. put everyone at the heart of this important development.
First, we need to talk about the nature of the British draft resolution and the British attempts it made, at the request of the Civil Forces Coordination “Taqadum”, led by Abdullah Hamdok, to put pressure on Sudan. It should be remembered that a number of observers have accused Taqadum of starting this war after he openly supported the Rapid Support coup in mid-April last year.
The UN Security Council has started discussing the draft resolution on Sudan, which aims to impose sanctions on the Sudanese government and hold it accountable for human rights violations, as well as a veiled appeal at the entry of international forces to end the ongoing conflict in the country. The decision equated the Sudanese army with the rapid support militia and demanded a ceasefire while keeping the positions under the control of each side. The aim of these measures, according to the Security Council, was to put pressure on the Sudanese authorities to force them to accept a ceasefire and engage in dialogue with the militias.
Despite attempts by Britain and the United States to pass the draft, the resolution faced fierce resistance from several Security Council member states. This prompted the French delegate to request closed consultations to resolve differences on the project. As negotiations failed, Russia decided to use its veto power, seen as strong support for Sudan against foreign interference.
This “veto” represented great support for Sudan and a message to the world that friendship far from ambitions is always productive because it is based on trust between the parties. So it was not just an ordinary diplomatic position, but rather a strong message. at several levels. Politically, Russia has shown its support for Sudanese sovereignty in the face of attempts to impose an external will on the country. The Russian position also reflects Moscow's objection to Western interventions aimed at weakening national regimes in the region, and this “veto” is part of Moscow's broader strategy to strengthen its influence in Africa and deal with pressure Westerners who seek to reshape the region according to their interests. .
From a security perspective, Sudan is considered an important geostrategic focal point in the Red Sea region, which witnesses persistent conflicts amid great power interests. This particular geographic location, as well as Sudan's enormous natural resources, make Sudan a promising market for many Russian investments in the energy and mining sectors. Russia's support for Sudan gives it an important role in the future of regional security and in the fight against Western expansion in the region.
After the Russian vote against the British project, the Sudanese government expressed its deep thanks to Moscow. The Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed Russia's use of its veto in the Security Council, saying that this position reflects Moscow's attachment to the principles of justice and respect for state sovereignty. He also welcomed the position of Russia which refuses to impose guardianship on the Sudanese. people through international mechanisms, stressing that this veto represents support for the independence and unity of the country.
This Russian position also strengthens the position of the Sudanese government on the international stage and provides it with an outlet in the face of international pressure. This veto also reflects a change in political dynamics, with Sudan tending to build new alliances away from Western influence, while strengthening its cooperation with Russia in the future.
It is also important, according to observers, to be interested in this change in Russian doctrine: in its diplomatic strategy, especially in relation to its traditional doctrine of resorting to the veto. Since the days of the Soviet Union, the veto has been used primarily to protect the interests of Russia and the countries of the former Soviet Union. But the veto against the British decision on Sudan reflects a change in Russian policy towards African issues. Many observers therefore believe that Russia has sought to strengthen its position in Africa by presenting itself as a solid ally against Western attempts at hegemony. This corresponds to the vision of Moscow, which seeks to expand its military and economic influence on the continent, and therefore understands that its support for Sudan in this context can lead to a strengthening of its relations with other countries in the region.
Based on the above, the question remains: will the Russian veto be decisive in determining the characteristics of the next step in Sudan? Russian support strengthens the Sudanese government's position in the face of international pressure and could help advance the peace process despite the persistence of internal conflict. In the event of a political settlement, these developments could open new doors for cooperation with Russia in the areas of reconstruction, infrastructure development and strengthening military and commercial cooperation.
A certain number of observers also indicate that this Russian action could place Sudan within the framework of international transformations and the new “cold war”. It should be noted that some observers indicate that Russia's position could be part of broader movements on the international scene, in particular. with changes in the American administration. Some sources indicate that there are agreements between US President-elect Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on how to deal with Sudan, which could significantly change the course of US foreign policy towards Sudan after the new Trump administration will have taken the reins of power. in the United States of America next January.
On the other hand, Britain remains in a difficult position, not least because of its support for armed militias in Sudan, making it a key partner in fueling the conflict and perhaps an accomplice in the sending weapons through its regional allies who started this war despite international pressure. , Russia has been able to establish itself as a strategic ally for Sudan, which opens the door to new transformations in Sudanese politics and international relations in the region. Thus, from what we see in reality, we can say that the Russian veto against the British project in the Security Council represents a decisive turning point in international policy towards Sudan. The Russian position not only reflects its support for Sudan in times of crisis, but also opens new horizons for future cooperation between the two countries, whether in the economic or military field. At the same time, this stance could help pave the way for political solutions that ensure the restoration of security and stability in Sudan, while strengthening Russia's position as an influential power in Africa.
May you always be well.
Wednesday November 20, 2024 AD. (email protected)
