Sudan has canceled a $6 billion port deal with the UAE due to accusations of UAE backing the RSF in the ongoing conflict. The project involved building an Abu Amama port on the Red Sea coast. Finance Minister Jibreel Ibrahim announced the decision, emphasizing Sudan’s stance on territorial integrity. The World Bank is expected to provide a $300 million grant to Sudan by June 2025.
The government of Sudan has officially terminated a $6 billion agreement with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) regarding the construction of a new port along the Red Sea coast. This announcement was made by Finance Minister Jibreel Ibrahim, who emphasized the government’s decision not to allow any developments on the Red Sea in light of allegations against the UAE supporting the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) amidst the ongoing conflict with the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). The proposed Abu Amama port was intended to feature various facilities, including an industrial zone and an international airport, approximately 200 kilometers north of the existing Port Sudan. Sudan’s decision to revoke the port project spotlights the complicated geopolitical dynamics within the country and its relationships with foreign nations. The port agreement had been signed in December 2022 by a consortium led by the UAE’s AD Ports Group and Osama Daoud Abdellatif’s Invictus Investment. In the wake of this cancellation, Minister Ibrahim mentioned that the World Bank is poised to provide Sudan with a $300 million grant before June 2025, signaling a potential shift in financial support amidst these tumultuous circumstances.
The cancellation of the port deal is set against a backdrop of heightened tensions between the Sudanese government and the UAE. Accusations of external interference in Sudan’s internal affairs, particularly concerning the ongoing civil conflict, have influenced Sudan’s foreign policy and economic collaborations. The port project was intended to enhance Sudan’s infrastructure and boost its economy through international investment. However, the political landscape has shifted dramatically, leading to this definitive action by the Sudanese government.
In conclusion, Sudan’s revocation of the port agreement with the UAE marks a significant turn in its foreign relations, influenced by accusations of foreign involvement in national conflicts. The decision underscores the delicate balance Sudan seeks to maintain in global partnerships while safeguarding its sovereignty. The upcoming grant from the World Bank indicates a potential pathway for economic support as Sudan navigates these challenges.
Original Source: www.altaghyeer.info
