The United States has accused Russia of fueling the devastating conflict in Sudan by funding both factions involved in the war. The dramatic claim was made by Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the outgoing US ambassador to the United Nations, during a tense Security Council meeting on Monday.
“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 declared. Her statement has sparked global concern, though she refrained from offering further specifics to back her allegations.
A Conflict That Shattered Sudan
The war in Sudan, which erupted in April 2023, is rooted in a fierce power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The conflict has wreaked havoc on the country, leading to one of the world’s most severe displacement crises and a catastrophic hunger emergency. Millions of Sudanese have fled their homes, with countless others trapped in desperate conditions, reliant on humanitarian aid.
At the heart of the US accusation is Sudan’s gold mining industry, which Washington believes has been exploited by Russia to indirectly finance the conflict. A spokesperson for the US mission at the UN condemned this relationship, highlighting the “illicit gold trading and provision of military equipment” as key enablers of the prolonged fighting.
Gold and Geopolitics
Sudan’s gold mining sector has been under international scrutiny, especially its dealings with sanctioned Russian entities. Reports suggest that Russia’s involvement in Sudan’s gold trade has deepened the conflict, undermining Sudanese aspirations for peace and stability. Critics argue that these operations are part of Russia’s broader strategy to secure its influence in Africa.
A senior US diplomat noted that any material support for the warring factions only exacerbates the humanitarian crisis. “Supporting either side in this conflict is a betrayal of Sudanese civilians who desperately need peace,” they said.
Russia Pushes Back
Russia has flatly denied the US accusations. Dmitry Polyanskiy, Russia’s deputy ambassador to the UN, rejected the claims as baseless and an attempt to deflect attention from US foreign policy missteps.
“We regret that the U.S. tries to judge other world powers by its own yardstick,” Polyanskiy countered during the meeting. He accused Washington of pursuing its own geopolitical interests under the guise of humanitarian concern.
Russia also recently used its veto power in November 2024 to block a UN resolution that sought an immediate ceasefire and the delivery of critical humanitarian aid to Sudan. The resolution had garnered overwhelming support from 14 other Security Council members, isolating Russia in the vote.
A Global Impasse
The accusations and counterclaims reflect the broader geopolitical tensions between the United States and Russia. Sudan, a country already battered by years of unrest, has become yet another battleground for the competing interests of global superpowers.
Thomas-Greenfield’s remarks are seen as parting shots as she prepares to leave her role. Her tenure ends alongside President Joe Biden’s administration on January 20, when Donald Trump is set to return to the White House.
“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, her voice tinged with emotion. Her comments underscored the frustration felt by many within the international community over the limited progress in resolving Sudan’s crisis.
International Reactions
While the US has been vocal in its criticism of Russia’s role in Sudan, international observers note that the UN Security Council has struggled to present a unified front. The council’s paralysis has allowed the conflict to drag on, with devastating consequences for civilians.
Some analysts see the US allegations as an attempt to pressure Russia into halting its activities in Sudan. “This is as much about Sudan as it is about broader US-Russia relations,” said a political analyst specializing in African conflicts. “The US is trying to draw attention to what it views as exploitative and destabilizing behavior by Russia.”
The Human Cost
The ongoing war has left Sudanese civilians caught in the crossfire, with limited access to food, medical supplies, and basic necessities. International aid agencies have warned that unless immediate action is taken, the situation could deteriorate into a full-blown famine.
Humanitarian organizations have also criticized the global community for failing to prioritize the Sudan crisis. “What we see in Sudan is not just a war but a collapse of humanity,” said a representative of a leading relief agency. “The people of Sudan deserve more than to be pawns in a geopolitical chess game.”
Looking Ahead
As the international community grapples with the Sudan conflict, questions remain about how to hold external actors accountable for their roles in exacerbating the crisis. The US has called for stronger sanctions against entities supporting the warring factions, including those engaged in illicit gold trading.
Meanwhile, as Sudan’s civilians continue to suffer, the world watches to see if diplomatic efforts can overcome entrenched divisions in the UN Security Council. For now, the accusations against Russia add another layer of complexity to a war that shows no signs of abating.
