Exclusive-Flouting U.N. sanctions in Africa? No one at U.N. watching after Russia move

FILE PHOTO: General view of the United Nations Security Council meeting during the 76th Session of the U.N. General Assembly in New York City, U.S. September 23, 2021. John Minchillo/Pool via REUTERS

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - Russia is delaying the appointment of panels of independent experts to monitor violations of U.N. sanctions on South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Central African Republic (CAR)and Mali, diplomats said on Wednesday, leaving their work in limbo.

Russia is unhappy with the number of experts appointed from Western countries, diplomats said, and would like more Russians named to the panels. Russia is working to expand its influence in Africa, specifically challenging traditional French sway in Mali and CAR.