UN Supports African Mediation in Sudan Conflict Amid Accusations of Armistice Violations

In a move that may add more fuel to the already flaring fire in Sudan, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov announced yesterday that his country “allows” the intervention of the Russian military group, the Wagner Group, in the current conflict in Sudan.

Lavrov said in a press conference at the United Nations headquarters in New York that Sudan is “entitled” to benefit from the security services of the “Wagner” group, which the West accuses of recruiting mercenaries around the world.

When the Russian minister was asked whether Wagner was working in Sudan, he replied that “what is happening in Sudan is a tragedy,” adding, “This country has the right to benefit from Wagner’s services.”

However, Lavrov did not clarify whether this group has elements on Sudanese soil who are helping to fight with the army led by Lieutenant General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and the Rapid Support Forces led by Muhammad Hamdan Hamidati.

US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken had expressed “grave concern” about reports of Wagner’s involvement in the Sudan war.

The Security Council held a closed session to discuss the situation in Sudan, at the request of Britain, which proposed issuing a statement to denounce the war and ensure the safe departure of foreign nationals, but no consensus was reached, as the three African countries opposed Gabon, Ghana and Mozambique, which preferred to provide support for the efforts. Diplomacy of regional organizations, especially the African Union and IGAD, regarding mediation between the two conflicting parties. Its proposal was met with international support.

On the ground, the new truce between the army and the Rapid Support Forces did not hold, as hours after it came into force, each party came out to accuse the other of violating it, while evacuation and displacement operations outside Sudan continued.

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Mutual accusations between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces of violating the armistice