Sudan’s finance minister, Gibril Ibrahim, has urged the U.S. to pressure the UAE to stop supporting the RSF, which is exacerbating the civil conflict. Ibrahim asserts that halting Emirati support could end the war and has secured funding commitments from international organizations for Sudan’s development. He dismissed accusations of internal divisions among the Sudanese forces as unfounded and emphasized their unity in the fight for national integrity.
On November 15, 2024, the finance minister of Sudan, Gibril Ibrahim, called upon the United States to exert pressure on the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to cease its support of the paramilitary group known as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The RSF has been in conflict with the Sudanese army since April, and Ibrahim articulated that Emirati backing is exacerbating the ongoing violence in Sudan. “The Sudanese people hope that the United States of America will restrain its ally, the UAE, from supporting the militia and stop it from killing innocent Sudanese,” he remarked. During an interview with Sudan Tribune, Ibrahim criticized the UAE’s provision of military aid to the RSF, which reportedly flows into Sudan via neighboring African nations. Notably, he was in Washington for discussions with the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) regarding both financial aid and the current humanitarian crisis. Additionally, he addressed the claims of discord within the Sudanese army and its allied groups, labeling these assertions as “baseless” and emphasizing the strong alliance in their struggle against the rebellion. Ibrahim also conveyed the necessity of an assessment of the war’s repercussions and requested assistance from international financial institutions. He successfully secured $253 million from the World Bank and $100 million from the African Development Bank to support developmental initiatives in Sudan. Furthermore, he engaged with the Sudanese Diaspora during his visit, enhancing dialogue and potential support for Sudan during these challenging times.
The situation in Sudan has escalated since early 2023, when violent confrontations erupted between the Sudanese army and the RSF. The RSF has been accused of receiving substantial support from the UAE, which has contributed to the protraction and intensification of the conflict. The ongoing violence has led to significant humanitarian crises, prompting calls for international intervention and aid. The Sudanese leadership is thus advocating for the U.S. to play a key role in deterring external support to the RSF, which they hold responsible for exacerbating the civil unrest.
In conclusion, Gibril Ibrahim’s appeal to the U.S. underscores the international community’s critical role in influencing regional conflicts. The Sudanese government seeks to curtail the UAE’s assistance to the RSF, viewing it as central to resolving the conflict and restoring stability. The successful financial commitments obtained from the World Bank and African Development Bank represent vital steps towards rebuilding the nation and addressing the humanitarian needs stemming from the ongoing war.
Original Source: sudantribune.com
