Moscow – Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has renewed his country’s offer to mediate an end to Sudan’s ongoing war, calling for restraint in public rhetoric and stressing the importance of opening channels for dialogue between the warring sides.
Russian Call for a Political Process
In a meeting with several ambassadors in Moscow, Lavrov reaffirmed that Russia is ready to assist in resolving the Sudanese conflict if the Sudanese government agrees to enter a genuine political process.
He said the focus should shift “from exchanging condemnations to exploring practical steps that could pave the way for peace,” emphasizing that political dialogue remains “the only alternative to further human suffering.”
A Broader Diplomatic Context
Lavrov’s remarks came during a session dedicated to reviewing Moscow’s views on global conflicts—particularly the war in Ukraine—but he also touched on other regional issues, including the situation in Sudan.
The Russian minister said Moscow remains “willing to support efforts to find practical solutions to Sudan’s internal crisis,” noting that several proposals had been put forward earlier by countries interested in resolving the conflict, though none had led to concrete dialogue.
Responding to a question about Sudan, Lavrov stressed that Russia had repeatedly urged the Sudanese parties to launch direct negotiations, adding that Moscow had conveyed multiple proposals to the Sudanese authorities, but so far, no meaningful talks had taken place.
He argued that the priority should be “finding workable solutions on the ground rather than escalating mutual accusations,” and asserted that Russia “has the capacity and experience to facilitate this process if Khartoum agrees.”
Dispute Over the Use of Mercenaries
Lavrov also urged Sudanese authorities to call on the Ukrainian government to stop sending mercenaries to the African continent, amid mutual accusations between Moscow and Kyiv over the deployment of combatants in several African countries.
Western reports, meanwhile, have suggested that Moscow provided military and logistical support to Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF)—claims that Russia denies, insisting instead that it supports “a neutral and inclusive political solution.”
Previous Mediation Efforts
Lavrov had made similar mediation offers earlier this year. During talks with his Sudanese counterpart in February, he said Russia was ready to cooperate with other international players to help stabilize Sudan, noting that bilateral cooperation depended entirely on improved security conditions.
The two ministers met again on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in April, where the Russian Foreign Ministry issued a statement calling for “an immediate cessation of hostilities between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF, and the launch of broad national dialogue to establish lasting peace.”
Continued Engagement from Moscow
Last month, Russia reiterated its concern over the situation in Darfur when Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin met with Sudan’s Ambassador to Moscow, Mohamed El-Sarraj. The Russian Foreign Ministry later issued a statement condemning what it called “the crimes witnessed in the city of El-Fasher,” urging an immediate end to bloodshed and the launch of an inclusive political process aimed at achieving a sustainable settlement.
The statement underscored that a comprehensive national dialogue remains the cornerstone for ending Sudan’s conflict and restoring stability, signaling Moscow’s continued interest in strengthening its diplomatic footprint in Africa through political mediation, complementing its growing economic and security presence on the continent.
