Sudan Events – Agencies
On Friday, Minister of Finance and Chairman of the Justice and Equality Movement, Jibril Ibrahim, expressed hope that the United States would persuade its ally, the UAE, to cease its support for the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
In an interview with Sudan Tribune, Jibril emphasized the U.S.’s critical role in international politics as a strong ally of the UAE, which he accused of generously backing what he described as the “rebel militia.”
“The Sudanese people hope that the United States will restrain its ally, the UAE, from supporting the militia and stop it from killing unarmed Sudanese citizens,” he stated.
Jibril stressed that halting UAE support for the RSF would mark the end of the ongoing war.
Denies Army-Joint Forces Disputes
The Justice and Equality Movement leader dismissed allegations of discord between the armed movements forming the joint forces and the army leadership, calling such claims baseless.
He affirmed that the relationship between the joint forces and the army is “perfectly harmonious,” explaining that the joint forces, supported by the army’s aerial assistance, ammunition, and weaponry, have achieved significant successes.
“The rumors spread by those supporting the criminal militia are baseless and reflect their fear of the historical unity between the joint forces and the army in defeating the RSF,” he added.
He also rejected claims that the armed movements allied with the army were pressuring it for greater political power amid the conflict.
“Our priority is defeating the rebellion and preserving the country’s unity and people. When the war ends, everyone will have the right to demand their place in the state, but that is not the current focus,” Jibril asserted.
Representation at Global Financial Institutions
The Minister of Finance highlighted the importance of his participation in the annual meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in the U.S., noting that Sudan chairs the African Group 1 constituency in the Development Committee of the World Bank, representing 21 member countries.
Jibril detailed his active involvement in various meetings, including those with the World Bank President, the IMF Executive Director, and discussions on development projects and financial support for Sudan.
Notably, he mentioned progress in expediting the disbursement of $253 million, in addition to $100 million previously allocated to UNICEF and the World Food Programme for health, education, and social protection projects in Sudan.
He also held discussions with the African Development Bank, securing $100 million to enhance wheat production, and reached agreements on financing a power station in Port Sudan.
War Losses and Reconstruction Efforts
Regarding the ongoing conflict between the army and the RSF since mid-April of last year, Jibril stated that estimating the war’s losses is currently impossible due to ongoing destruction and unsafe conditions for professional assessors in affected areas.
He revealed that during his Washington visit, he requested the World Bank, IMF, and African Development Bank to send a joint team to evaluate the war’s damages. Based on these assessments, Sudan aims to organize a donor conference to aid in the country’s reconstruction.
During his visit, he also met with Sudanese expatriates in Washington and New York, updating them on the current situation and exploring ways to strengthen ties between Sudanese communities at home and abroad.
