Sudan’s Prime Minister Kamil El Tayeb Idris has unveiled a $100 billion investment package proposed to Saudi Arabia, focusing on the Red Sea’s untapped resources. Speaking in Port Sudan, Idris emphasized that developing these resources in partnership could make Sudan and Saudi Arabia “among the richest countries in the world.” The package includes 100 joint projects presented to Riyadh.
Idris also announced a comprehensive review of Sudan’s approach to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) dispute with Ethiopia and Egypt. He pledged direct diplomacy with both Cairo and Addis Ababa to address the issue. The Prime Minister’s comments come after recent floods in Sudan, which some attribute to the dam’s gates being opened. However, the Ministry of Agriculture has linked the flooding to heavy rains caused by climate change.
During his recent visit to the UN 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, citing the organization’s role as Sudan’s “real support.” The AU suspended Sudan’s membership following the 2021 military coup. The Prime Minister also condemned US sanctions on Sudan as “unjust” and revealed that they are under review after his meetings with American officials.
Regarding reports of famine in Sudan, Idris dismissed them as “false,” insisting that international organizations and media outlets are misrepresenting the situation. While acknowledging severe hardship in besieged areas like El Fasher, he argued that this does not constitute famine. His statement 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, claiming they do not accurately reflect the country’s food security situation. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs argued that the data used is outdated and ignores reliable scientific indicators. As the situation in Sudan continues to unfold, the international community remains watchful, with the UN Secretary-General’s upcoming visit potentially playing a crucial role in addressing the country’s challenges.
