Sudanese Foreign Minister Ali Youssef Discusses Military Policies and International Relations
In a recent BBC Arabic interview, Sudanese Foreign Minister Ali Youssef emphasized the continuation of fighting in Sudan during Ramadan and defended Sudan’s right to purchase weapons from any willing country, including Iran and Ukraine. He clarified a Russian agreement as a service area, not a naval base, and stated that Sudan desires to maintain sovereign relations without becoming a colony of any nation. Youssef firmly rejected foreign interference in Sudan’s military engagements.
On March 2, 2025, Sudanese Foreign Minister Ali Youssef made declarations during an interview on BBC Arabic regarding Sudan’s ongoing conflict and military strategies. He emphasized that fighting in Sudan will persist throughout Ramadan, historically recognized as a period of war within the Islamic tradition. Youssef stated, “No, the fighting will continue obviously. Ramadan is the month of war in the history of Islam.”
Youssef addressed Sudan’s agreement with Russia, described not as a naval base but as a “service area” for ships, following a deal established under former President Bashir. He clarified that this agreement needs parliamentary approval, which is currently improbable due to the lack of an elected parliament. He expressed hopes that it will be ratified once elections conclude, stating, “This agreement is supposed to be ratified by the parliament. There is no parliament in Sudan, so when a parliament is elected, inshallah, it will ratify the agreement.”
Discussions intensified surrounding the military collaboration with Russia, where Youssef insisted that Sudan does not intend to become a subservient state to any foreign power. He noted, “We do not want Sudan to become a colony of any country,” reiterating the importance of maintaining diverse international relations, including with Europe.
Furthermore, he addressed sanctions imposed on Sudan by Western nations, arguing that these restrictions leave Sudan no choice but to acquire weapons from countries unbound by such sanctions. Youssef affirmed Sudan’s right to procure arms as needed, stating, “We have the right to import weapons from anyone willing to sell us. We buy weapons.”
When questioned regarding reports of weapons purchases from Ukraine and Iran, Youssef responded unequivocally that Sudan negotiates arms with any willing supplier, demonstrating a pragmatic approach to military acquisitions. He dismissed allegations of Sudan’s involvement in broader geopolitical conflicts, asserting that such a situation would not arise in the future. He stated, “It did not and it will not.”
Lastly, Youssef rejected the idea that Western or other foreign powers dictate Sudan’s military partnerships and purchases, insisting that Sudan operates autonomously within the global arms market. He stated assertively, “Neither the BBC, nor Britain, or anyone else can prevent us from buying weapons.”
In conclusion, Sudanese Foreign Minister Ali Youssef articulated Sudan’s ongoing resolve amidst conflict, underscoring the nation’s right to secure weapons from international partners, irrespective of sanctions. He clarified Sudan’s relationship with Russia as one that focuses on mutual interests, downplaying fears of becoming a geopolitical pawn while emphasizing the necessity of arms procurement for national security. Youssef’s firm stance reiterates Sudan’s intent to maintain autonomy in military dealings.
Original Source: www.memri.org
