Sudan Cancels $6 Billion Red Sea Port Deal With UAE Over Allegations Of Arms Supply To RSF

Sudan’s military-led government has cancelled a $6 billion deal with the UAE to build a major Red Sea port after allegations that the UAE is supplying weapons to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a militia involved in the country’s civil war.

Finance Minister Gibril Ibrahim announced the cancellation on Sunday in Port Sudan.

The agreement, signed in December 2022, was planned to build and operate the Abu Amama port, located about 200 kilometers north of Port Sudan.

The project was a partnership between Abu Dhabi Ports and the Sudanese company Invictus Investment. It included plans for a free trade zone, agricultural projects, and improved roadways, all of which were part of Sudan’s economic development.

Since the conflict began in April 2023, there have been reports that the UAE has been secretly supplying RSF with weapons.

The RSF, formed from the Janjaweed militia, known for its role in the Darfur conflict, has been fighting against the Sudanese army.

Minister Ibrahim said that Sudan cannot accept any foreign support that weakens its government, adding, “We will not give the UAE a single centimeter on the Red Sea coast.”

The conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the RSF began due to power disputes between their respective leaders, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and Mohamed Hamdan “Hemedti” Dagalo.

The leaders had previously worked together to overthrow a civilian government in 2021, but their alliance broke down due to disagreements about who should hold power.

The ongoing conflict has caused immense human suffering, with 15,000 to 60,000 people killed and almost eight million displaced. Foreign countries are also involved, with some evidence showing that Russia and Iran support the SAF, while the UAE is believed to back the RSF.

The cancelled port project was not just about building infrastructure; it was also a part of the UAE’s plan to secure agricultural investments in Sudan, which is crucial for its food supply.

The UAE heavily depends on imported food and has invested in farmland in Sudan.

Ibrahim also denied rumours that he resigned due to disagreements within the government. He said he would remain in his post but was concerned about the government’s direction.

While the UAE says that its involvement in Sudan is purely humanitarian, questions remain about its support for the RSF.

References: SudanTribune, Nation.Africa

Sudan Cancels $6 Billion Red Sea Port Deal With UAE Over Allegations Of Arms Supply To RSF appeared first on Marine Insight – The Maritime Industry Guide

Source: Maritime Shipping News