UNITED NATIONS (ChatnewsTV) — British Foreign Secretary David Lammy has strongly criticized Russia’s veto of a UN Security Council resolution on Sudan, accusing Russia of prolonging the suffering of Sudanese civilians in the country’s brutal civil war.
Speaking at the UN Security Council meeting on Monday, Lammy condemned Russia’s actions, asserting that the veto would lead to more killings, rapes, and starvation in Sudan.
“For over eighteen months, Sudanese civilians have endured unimaginable violence,” Lammy began, outlining the atrocities that have ravaged the country, including ethnic-based violence, mass rape, child abductions, and attacks on aid workers.
“Atrocities driven by ethnic hatred,” Lammy said, further highlighting the destruction of homes, schools, and hospitals. “This suffering is a scar on the collective conscience,” he added.
Lammy’s speech came as the UK, in partnership with Sierra Leone, sought to push a resolution aimed at addressing the humanitarian crisis in Sudan. The resolution sought to ensure aid access, call for a ceasefire, and protect civilians from further harm. However, Russia vetoed the resolution, blocking the Security Council’s ability to act in unison.
“One country stood in the way of the Council speaking with one voice,” Lammy said.
“One country is the blocker. One country is the enemy of peace.” He directly condemned Russian President Vladimir Putin, accusing him of spreading conflict and violence across the African continent.
“Shame on Putin for waging a war of aggression in Ukraine. Shame on Putin for using his mercenaries to spread conflict and violence across the African continent. And shame on Putin for pretending to be a partner of the Global South, while condemning Black Africans to further killing, further rape, further starvation in a brutal civil war.”
Lammy’s sharp criticism targeted Russia’s inaction in Sudan, questioning the moral justification behind its veto.
“How many more Sudanese have to be killed? How many more women have to be raped? How many more children have to go without food? Before Russia will act?” he asked rhetorically, urging Russia to answer to the international community.
Despite the veto, Lammy pledged the UK’s continued support for Sudan, emphasizing that the UK would increase its aid while Russia blocked access.
“While Britain doubles aid, Russia blocks aid access,” he said. “While Britain works with our African partners, Russia vetoes their will.”
The British Foreign Secretary reiterated that the UK would not forget Sudan and would continue its efforts to protect the people there.
“I will not stop calling for more action to protect the people of Sudan. I will not stop calling more aid. I will not stop working with our partners in Africa and around the world to help.”
Lammy also expressed disappointment over Russia’s veto, which he described as “mean, nasty and cynical.”
He argued that the veto sent a message to the warring parties in Sudan that they could act with impunity, ignoring their responsibilities to protect civilians.
The resolution, had it passed, would have called for humanitarian pauses, ensured the safe passage of aid, supported local groups taking risks to protect their communities, and pressured warring factions to agree to a ceasefire.
In closing, Lammy reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to Sudan, declaring, “The UK will not forget Sudan.”
Editor: Gabriel Ani
