Sudan’s Finance Minister, Gibril Ibrahim, has urged the United States to persuade the UAE to halt its support for the RSF amidst ongoing conflict. He argues that ending Emirati assistance is crucial for reducing violence. During his visit to Washington, he secured over $350 million for development projects and dismissed claims of discord within the military. Ibrahim emphasized the need for a comprehensive damage assessment to aid reconstruction efforts in Sudan.
On November 15, 2024, Sudan’s Finance Minister Gibril Ibrahim appealed to the United States to exert pressure on the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to cease its support for the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Ibrahim, also the leader of the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM), criticized the continued Emirati assistance for exacerbating the ongoing conflict between the RSF and the Sudanese army since April. He expressed that the cessation of UAE support is crucial for halting the violence, which has severely impacted innocent Sudanese citizens. Ibrahim indicated that the Sudanese government’s support, alongside allegations from various international organizations, highlights the role of the UAE in providing weapons and logistics to the RSF through neighboring African nations. This assistance reportedly enters Sudan through its western borders. In conjunction with his diplomatic mission in Washington, Ibrahim rejected claims of discord within the Sudanese army and its allied factions, insisting they function as a united front in their fight against rebellion. The Finance Minister also mentioned the imperative need for a comprehensive assessment of the war’s devastation, which he has proposed to the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the African Development Bank. This evaluation is vital for facilitating international aid aimed at Sudan’s reconstruction. During discussions in Washington, Ibrahim secured $253 million from the World Bank and $100 million from the African Development Bank to fund various development initiatives. Furthermore, he interacted with the Sudanese diaspora in both Washington and New York to garner support for Sudan’s recovery efforts.
The article concerns the ongoing struggle in Sudan, primarily between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), supported by the UAE. The fighting has persisted since April and has resulted in significant humanitarian crises and concerns for the safety of civilians. The UAE’s involvement through military aid to the RSF has drawn criticism, particularly from Sudanese officials. In this context, Finance Minister Gibril Ibrahim’s plea to the United States illustrates Sudan’s reliance on international allies to influence the situation favorably amidst a backdrop of internal unity in the face of external threats.
In conclusion, the appeal from Finance Minister Gibril Ibrahim to the United States underscores Sudan’s urgent need for international intervention to address the conflict fueled by UAE support for the RSF. The securing of $353 million in development funds represents a step towards rebuilding Sudan, yet the path to peace hinges on the cessation of external military assistance that perpetuates violence. Sudan’s leadership remains unified in its struggle against the RSF, aiming to restore stability and dignity to the nation’s people.
Original Source: sudantribune.com
