Sudan cancels $6 billion UAE port deal over RSF support concerns

Sudan Cancels $6 Billion UAE Port Deal Over Alleged RSF Support

November 3, 2024 (Port Sudan) – Sudan has canceled a $6 billion deal with the United Arab Emirates to build a Red Sea port, Finance Minister Jibril Ibrahim said on Sunday, accusing Abu Dhabi of supporting the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The current conflict in the country.

In a deal signed in December 2022, Abu Dhabi Ports and Invictus Investments, controlled by Sudanese businessman Osama Daoud, will develop and operate the Abu Amama port, located about 200 km (124 miles) north of Port Sudan.

“After what happened, we will not give even one centimeter to the UAE on the Red Sea coast,” Ibrahim told a press conference in Port Sudan. He was referring to allegations that the UAE has supported the RSF, which has been fighting Sudan’s army since April 15.

The abandoned project was part of a larger investment package that included a free trade zone, an agricultural project and a $300 million deposit to Sudan’s central bank.

Ibrahim, head of the Justice and Equality Movement, denied reports that he had resigned as finance minister in protest at the sacking of the head of the tax department. “We are still on our stand, but we have reservations about the signals coming from our administration,” he said. “Reservations are not governed by resignation.”