Sudan’s military leader has welcomed Turkish mediation to resolve conflicts with the UAE and RSF, amid accusations against the UAE for supporting the RSF. Meetings between Sudanese officials and Turkish diplomats have focused on peace initiatives and economic cooperation. Turkey plans to open a bank in Port Sudan and send humanitarian aid, alongside ambitions to strengthen bilateral trade relations, which have seen a significant decline recently.
In a significant diplomatic move, Sudan’s military leader, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, has embraced Turkey’s proposal for mediation aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict with the UAE and the paramilitary group Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This development follows Sudan’s accusations against the UAE for providing support to the RSF, resulting in extensive destruction within the region. Burhan engaged with Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Burhanettin Duran to discuss President Erdogan’s initiative intended to restore peace in Sudan.
During meetings that also included Sudan’s Foreign Minister Ali Youssif and Finance Minister Gibril Ibrahim, discussions focused on enhancing bilateral relations and exploring potential avenues for economic collaboration between Sudan and Turkey. Foreign Minister Youssif indicated the importance of Duran’s discussions, emphasizing that the proposed initiative seeks to establish peace in Sudan, which Burhan has positively regarded. Youssif affirmed, “The Turkish initiative can lead to real efforts to achieve peace in Sudan.”
Compounding Sudan’s issues is the demand for the UAE to compensate for damages incurred due to its support of the RSF and significant military supplies. In light of these accusations, Sudan has lodged a complaint to the UN Security Council against the UAE. Furthermore, Turkish President Erdogan, in a conversation with Burhan, reiterated Turkey’s commitment to facilitating mediation.
In tandem with the peace initiative, Turkey is striving to bolster economic relations with Sudan. Reports indicate plans for a bank to be established in Port Sudan, alongside the opening of a Turkish aid agency headquarters. Additionally, Turkey is sending humanitarian assistance totaling 8,000 tonnes. Deputy Minister Duran underscored Turkey’s responsibility in supporting Sudan’s sovereignty, stating that the situation requires collective efforts from regional actors. Minister Ibrahim also expressed a desire to enrich cooperation with Turkey across sectors including energy, agriculture, and trade, lamenting the decrease in trade from $625 million in 2022 to approximately $200 million in mid-2024, despite existing Turkish investments in Sudan totaling around $500 million.
The dynamics of Sudan’s political and military landscape have been intensively affected by the conflict involving the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This paramilitary group has received considerable backing from the UAE, exacerbating tensions between Sudan and the UAE. With Turkey’s emerging role as a mediator, there are hopes for a diplomatic solution to reestablish peace in Sudan. Turkish involvement is also characterized by a significant focus on economic development, as evidenced by planned investments and humanitarian aid efforts. The interplay of diplomatic relations and economic cooperation will be crucial for Sudan as it navigates its recovery from long-term conflict.
The recent acceptance of Turkish mediation by Sudan signifies a pivotal moment in the quest for peace, aiming to resolve tensions with the UAE and the RSF. Economic collaboration between Sudan and Turkey presents a promising pathway toward recovery and stability. With substantial Turkish investments and humanitarian efforts underway, this partnership may offer Sudan not only immediate relief but also a sustainable route toward rebuilding and enhancing its economic framework.
Original Source: sudantribune.com
