Sudan Appeals to U.S. for Pressure on UAE to Halt Support for RSF
Sudan’s Finance Minister Gibril Ibrahim has urged the United States to pressure the UAE to cease its support for the RSF, which is involved in ongoing conflicts with the Sudanese army. Ibrahim argues that this support fuels violence and civilian casualties. He emphasized the need for coordinated international aid and highlighted recent financial commitments from the World Bank and African Development Bank to aid in Sudan’s recovery efforts.
In a recent appeal, Sudan’s Finance Minister Gibril Ibrahim requested that the United States leverage its influence to persuade the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to discontinue its support for the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This paramilitary group has engaged in ongoing conflict with the Sudanese army since April, contributing to the destabilization of the nation. During an interview, Ibrahim stated that Emirati assistance exacerbates the violence, which has resulted in numerous civilian casualties. Ibrahim emphasized that halting Emirati support could potentially lead to the cessation of armed hostilities. He highlighted the belief among the Sudanese populace that American intervention could mitigate the UAE’s actions, citing the ongoing suffering inflicted upon innocent civilians by the RSF. The allegations against the UAE involve the provision of weapons and resources to the RSF through other African nations, complicating Sudan’s plight further. While in Washington, Ibrahim discussed concerns regarding alleged schisms within the Sudanese army and its allied forces, labeling such notions as unfounded. He articulated that unity among the army and the allied groups is paramount in their shared mission to restore the nation’s integrity and to confront the rebellion. During his visit, Ibrahim secured substantial financial pledges amounting to $253 million from the World Bank and an additional $100 million from the African Development Bank aimed at facilitating development projects in Sudan. He has also called for a comprehensive assessment of the wartime damage, seeking assistance from the World Bank and other financial institutions to prepare for an appeal for international aid.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan primarily erupted in April when the RSF began clashes with the Sudanese army over territorial and power disputes. The RSF has been accused of receiving support from the UAE, which has raised concerns about interference in Sudanese affairs. With the country facing severe humanitarian challenges, the Sudanese government is eager to curb foreign influences that exacerbate the violence. Gibril Ibrahim, as a representative of both the Sudanese government and the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM), advocates for international support to bring an end to the conflict and restore stability in Sudan.
In conclusion, Sudan’s appeal to the U.S. to influence the UAE’s support for the RSF underscores the complex dynamics of the ongoing conflict. With the calls for international aid and the promise of significant funds from major financial institutions, there is potential for rebuilding Sudan post-conflict. Unity among the Sudanese army and its allied groups remains critical as they face the challenges of internal divisions and power-sharing in the aftermath of the war.
Original Source: sudantribune.com
