Sudan’s minister of finance calls for severing diplomatic ties with Chad

December 17, 2023 (KHARTOUM) – Gibril Ibrahim, the Sudanese Minister of Finance and the Head of the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM), on Sunday called for severing diplomatic ties with Chad and filing a complaint with the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) over UAE-Chad’s alleged interference in Sudan’s internal affairs.

Ibrahim’s call comes amid escalating tensions between Sudan and Chad. On Sunday, the Sudanese Foreign Ministry declared three Chadian diplomats persona non grata, ordering them to leave the country within 72 hours. This decision follows Sudan’s expulsion of four Sudanese diplomats from N’Djamena.

The tensions stem from allegations that Chad is facilitating Emirati support to Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group that has been accused of human rights abuses. Chad has denied these allegations.

Speaking in a discussion forum on the X website, Ibrahim argued that Sudan must take a strong stance against Chad’s “open support” for the RSF. He declared that if it were up to him, he would have immediately severed diplomatic relations with Chad and lodged a formal complaint with the UNSC.

Ibrahim alleged that Chad’s support for the RSF is being orchestrated by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which has provided significant financial and military assistance to Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Deby in exchange for his cooperation. According to Ibrahim, Deby agreed to this arrangement after the UAE convinced him that it would work to secure French support for his continued rule after the current transition period.

Regarding the UAE, he said that its position in support of the RSF must be officially denounced and a complaint must be submitted to the Security Council against it. He reiterated his call not to remain silent on this matter and to cancel previous agreements between the two countries, stressing that this matter is ultimately his personal opinion and he declares it publicly in all forums.

The Chadian government has vehemently denied any involvement in Sudan’s ongoing conflict. However, Sudanese Foreign Minister Ali al-Sadiq has reiterated that his government has presented concrete evidence to the Chadian government before to denounce its support for the RSF.

Last November, Ibrahim announced his support for the Sudanese army and mobilized his troops to defend the capital of North Darfur State against an anticipated attack.

The White House said that Biden’s National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan, met with UAE National Security Advisor Tahnoun bin Zayed on Friday, December 15, 2023, in Abu Dhabi. The two discussed “The importance of de-escalating the conflict in Sudan”.

(ST)