Sudan has canceled a port development deal with the UAE amid accusations of UAE support for the RSF, reflecting the country’s need to assert its sovereignty. Finance Minister Jibril Ibrahim emphasized that the deal was non-binding. This decision may shift Sudan’s foreign policy and is viewed positively by local communities, although Sudan faces serious humanitarian issues.
Sudan has recently canceled a significant port agreement with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which seemingly reflects Khartoum’s discontent with what it perceives as the UAE’s backing of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Finance Minister Jibril Ibrahim announced this decision while emphasizing that the memorandum concerning the Abu Amama port, set to be developed on the Red Sea coast, was not legally binding on Sudan. He stated that the cancellation aims to safeguard the nation’s sovereignty, asserting definitively that Sudan will not yield any portions of its coastline to foreign powers. The abrupt termination of the Abu Amama deal appears to be politically charged, as growing accusations suggest Abu Dhabi’s support for the RSF, a paramilitary faction embroiled in an ongoing conflict with the Sudanese military since April 2023. This action may symbolize a shift in Sudan’s foreign policy stance, striving for greater national autonomy in the face of external influences amid rising regional tensions. Historically, relations between Sudan and the UAE have displayed both cooperation and conflict, further complicating their dynamic. In December 2022, a notable agreement was signed, entailing a $6 billion investment from the UAE for the development of the Abu Amama port, which also included provisions for a free trade zone and agricultural projects. However, the decision to revoke this partnership suggests a reassessment of Sudan’s political alliances and foreign engagements, particularly against the backdrop of the current volatile political climate. The local population in eastern Sudan, particularly in Port Sudan, has largely responded positively to the cancellation. Many residents express a desire for investments that enhance local infrastructure and create job opportunities, rather than large-scale foreign ventures they fear could detract from the local economy. However, this move poses challenges for the Sudanese government, as it must reconcile diverse political sentiments regarding relations with the UAE and forge a cohesive national policy that promotes unity. Compounding these tensions, Sudan is facing dire humanitarian crises characterized by escalating inflation, currency devaluation, and deteriorating living conditions. With casualties exceeding 18,000 and over 11 million displaced due to the ongoing conflict, the urgent need for international humanitarian assistance is more critical than ever. Aid organizations have reported that displaced individuals are enduring near-famine conditions accompanied by rampant violence from warring factions. The cancellation of the port deal also possesses significant implications for regional power dynamics, especially concerning neighboring entities such as Saudi Arabia and Egypt, which similarly eye opportunities in the Red Sea area. Sudan’s diplomatic navigation amidst these complex international interests is pivotal in maintaining a fragile balance of power in the region.
This development occurs against a backdrop of heightened tensions between Sudan and the UAE, primarily rooted in the conflict involving the RSF. The RSF has been accused of receiving support from the UAE, exacerbating the already complicated relationship between the two nations. The memorandum of understanding regarding the Abu Amama port represents a deeper trend of involvement from foreign powers in Sudan’s internal matters, reflecting a broader geopolitical landscape in the Red Sea region that influences Sudan’s strategic decisions.
In conclusion, the cancellation of the port deal with the UAE serves as a potent symbol of Sudan’s desire to maintain its sovereignty and reassess foreign partnerships in light of domestic and regional pressures. The government’s decision is welcomed by local communities that prioritize developmental projects benefiting their economy. However, Sudan continues to grapple with severe humanitarian challenges, necessitating a careful approach to foreign relations while addressing pressing needs at home.
Original Source: www.theeastafrican.co.ke
