Sudan’s Prime Minister, Kamil El Tayeb Idris, announced a $100 billion investment package aimed at Saudi Arabia that targets the Red Sea’s untapped resources. Speaking in Port Sudan, Idris said that joint development of these resources could make Sudan and Saudi Arabia “among the richest countries in the world.” The proposal includes 100 joint projects presented to Riyadh.
Idris also said the government will conduct a comprehensive review of Sudan’s position in the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) dispute with Ethiopia and Egypt, and pledged to pursue direct diplomacy with both Cairo and Addis Ababa. His remarks came after recent floods in Sudan, which some have linked to the dam’s gates being opened, though the Ministry of Agriculture attributes the flooding to heavy rains caused by climate change.
During a recent visit to the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Idris prioritized lifting the siege on North Darfur’s capital, El Fasher, and designating the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) as a terrorist group. He emphasized Sudan’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, receiving a positive response from the international community. UN Secretary‑General António Guterres has accepted an invitation to visit Sudan.
Idris expressed confidence that Sudan’s readmission to the African Union (AU) is imminent, noting the AU’s role as Sudan’s “real support.” The AU suspended Sudan’s membership after the 2021 military coup. He also condemned U.S. sanctions on Sudan as “unjust,” saying they are under review following his meetings with American officials.
Regarding reports of famine, Idris dismissed them as “false,” claiming that international organizations and media are misrepresenting the situation. While acknowledging severe hardship in besieged areas such as El Fasher, he argued that these conditions do not constitute famine. This stance contradicts declarations by aid organizations and the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), which reported famine in five areas of North Darfur and Kordofan last December. The Sudanese government has previously rejected the IPC’s findings, arguing that the data are outdated and ignore reliable scientific indicators.
As the situation in Sudan continues to evolve, the international community remains watchful, and the upcoming visit by the UN Secretary‑General could play a crucial role in addressing the country’s challenges.
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