Directive for the Immediate Release of Al-Mafaza Farmers in Gedaref

The Acting Director General of the Agricultural Bank, Dr. Ezz Eldin Fegiri, announced directives to the Assistant Director and the Eastern Sector Manager of the Agricultural Bank to immediately release the farmers of Al-Mafaza locality in Gedaref State and arrange settlements and resolutions for the farmers to pay off old debts.

Fegiri, as quoted by the Saqia website, emphasized that the bank does not aim to arrest farmers and that it is not its philosophy to humiliate or imprison them, as they play a vital role.

The Agricultural Bank had previously taken measures that led to a wave of arrests of Al-Mafaza farmers last week due to non-payment of Salam financing.

Fegiri stated that Sudan depends on agriculture, especially under the current circumstances, where vast areas of land have exited the production cycle. He added, “We do not aim to intimidate or arrest farmers. All Sudanese farmers receive care and respect from the bank and its projects because they represent the backbone of the country’s economy and work under difficult conditions to ensure abundance in production and achieve food security.”

He refuted claims by some parties that the summer season financing had failed. Despite limited resources and the looting of several branches by the Rapid Support Forces militia, the Agricultural Bank successfully financed farmers.

Fegiri, who has been touring several states, most recently River Nile, to oversee the bank’s performance, confirmed that the Agricultural Bank follows the best administrative practices and strives for development through scientific workshops aimed at enhancing staff performance and meeting farmers’ aspirations.

He stressed that farmers are a cornerstone of the bank’s success and that the bank’s success relies on the success of farmers who work on their projects despite security threats, aiming to ensure food security.