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Context:

Russia vetoed a draft UN Security Council resolution calling for a cease-fire in Sudan, which was backed by the UK. Russia accused the United Kingdom of interfering in Sudanese affairs without involving Sudan.

About Sudan

Sudan is located in Northeast Africa.

It has land borders with Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, South Sudan, the Central African Republic, Chad, and Libya.

Its highest point is the Deriba Caldera in the Marrah Mountains.

  The Blue Nile starts at Lake Tana in Ethiopia and flows into Sudan.

 Lake Nubia is situated on the Sudan-Egypt border.

 The Nubian Desert is located in Northeastern Sudan.

About Sudan War

Sudan's civil war is the result of political instability, ethnic tensions, and economic challenges. 

Sudan's authoritarian president was overthrown in 2019, following widespread protests which set the stage for the conflict. The transfer of power to a civilian government generated a power struggle among several factions.

The conflict began as a power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). 

• Sudan's Armed Forces (SAF) are part of the traditional military. 
• The RSF is a paramilitary force based in Sudan's conflict-ridden regions. 

The struggle is for political control and supremacy over resource-rich areas, particularly gold mines. 

UK-backed Sudan draft resolution

The draft resolution urged both sides in the Sudanese civil war to immediately end hostilities and start talks on a national ceasefire. It also urged the army and RSF to uphold previous agreements to protect civilians.

Sudan's UN representative stated that the draft resolution lacked certain clauses that Sudan desired, such as one condemning the UAE's support for the RSF and another demanding that the RSF be classified as "terrorists" because of their attacks on civilian populations.

Russia's veto stopped the draft resolution from passing even though all 14 other Security Council members voted in favor of it.

The Russian representative at the UN justified the veto, claiming that the resolution violated Sudan's sovereignty and was an attempt by the UK to interfere in Sudan's internal affairs.

Must Read Articles: 

SUDAN WAR

Source: 

BBC

PRACTICE QUESTION Q.Which of the following group of countries share border with Sudan: A) Eritrea, Ethiopia, Nigeria  and Libya B) Eritrea, Ethiopia, Mali  and Libya C) Eritrea, Niger, Central African Republic  and Libya D) Eritrea, Ethiopia, Central African Republic  and Libya Answer: D Explanation:  Sudan shares land borders with Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Central African Republic, Chad, and Libya.