Sudan welcomes Turkish mediation to resolve its conflict with the RSF while seeking economic ties. Turkish officials met with Sudan’s leaders to discuss peace initiatives and economic cooperation, which includes plans to open a bank in Port Sudan and enhance trade relations despite a recent decrease in trade volume. The Turkish government commits to supporting Sudan’s sovereignty and aiding in humanitarian efforts.
On January 4, 2025, in Port Sudan, Sudan’s military leader, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, expressed gratitude for Turkey’s offer to mediate negotiations between Sudan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Amid allegations that the UAE has been supporting the RSF, Sudan has requested compensation for the damages incurred during the 21-month conflict. Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Burhanettin Duran met with Burhan to discuss a peace initiative proposed by President Tayyip Erdogan, which aims to facilitate a cessation of hostilities in Sudan. This initiative was positively received by General Burhan, who encouraged Duran to relay his acceptance to President Erdogan and the Turkish Foreign Minister.
The discussions also involved Sudanese Foreign Minister Ali Yousif and Finance Minister Gibril Ibrahim, focusing on strengthening bilateral relations and potential economic collaborations. Minister Yousif emphasized that the meetings addressed significant areas of joint cooperation, enhancing hope for peace in Sudan. Notably, economic ties are set to improve, as Turkey prepares to open a bank in Port Sudan and is sending humanitarian aid comprising three ships with 8,000 tonnes of resources.
The Turkish stance upholds Sudan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Deputy Foreign Minister Duran stated, “What our country is doing is a process that requires concerted efforts and then working to gather regional actors and overcome the difficulties in the issue of ending the conflict in Sudan.” Furthermore, Finance Minister Ibrahim expressed Sudan’s ambition to enhance cooperation with Turkey in sectors such as agriculture and energy, citing a dissatisfaction with the current trade volume, which plummeted from $625 million in 2022 to approximately $200 million in the first half of 2024, despite total Turkish investments in Sudan reaching $500 million.
This article discusses the recent diplomatic engagement between Sudan and Turkey in the context of the ongoing conflict in Sudan stemming from disputes involving the RSF and the Sudanese military. The UAE has been accused of supporting the RSF, which has complicated Sudan’s stance and led to calls for compensation for damages caused during the conflict. This situation forms the backdrop against which Turkey, under President Erdogan’s leadership, seeks to mediate a resolution while also fostering economic ties with Sudan.
In conclusion, Sudan’s acceptance of Turkish mediation reflects an important diplomatic development aimed at addressing the ongoing conflict with the RSF while simultaneously working towards enhancing economic relations with Turkey. The anticipated opening of a Turkish bank in Port Sudan and the shipment of humanitarian aid indicate a commitment to strengthening bilateral ties. Ministers from both nations have expressed optimism regarding potential cooperation across various sectors, striving to transition from conflict to collaborative engagement.
Original Source: sudantribune.com
