Sudanese Foreign Minister Ali Youssef asserted the country’s right to procure arms from any nation willing to sell, including Iran and Ukraine. He clarified an agreement with Russia for a service area on the Red Sea, not a naval base, and emphasized Sudan’s independence despite Western sanctions on military support.
In a recent interview with BBC Arabic, Sudanese Foreign Minister Ali Youssef discussed Sudan’s ongoing conflicts and international military relations. He affirmed that fighting would persist during Ramadan, labeling it as “the month of war” in Islamic tradition. Youssef explained a prior agreement with Russia to create a “service area” on the Red Sea, clarifying that it is not a naval base and was established during President Bashir’s tenure. Ratification by a future Sudanese parliament is pending.
Youssef indicated that Sudan, under Western sanctions, is unable to procure weapons from the U.S. or Europe. He questioned the expectation for the Sudanese military to surrender due to these restrictions, asserting the nation’s right to acquire arms from non-sanctioning countries. When asked specifically about Iran and Ukraine, he unambiguously stated that Sudan will purchase arms from any country willing to sell.
Regarding Sudan’s ties with Russia, Youssef highlighted strong relations across various sectors while asserting that Sudan would not become a colony of any foreign power. He maintained that the nature of relationships with countries can vary, emphasizing that off foreign influences appears inconsistent given the presence of other nations in the region.
Youssef contested the notion that hosting a Russian service center equates to colonialism or undue foreign influence, rationalizing the action by pointing out the established military presences of various powers globally. He defended Sudan’s autonomy in arms procurement, rebuffing suggestions of dependency on any nation and confirmed negotiations with both Ukraine and Iran, asserting, “We have the right to import weapons from anyone willing to sell us. We buy weapons.”
Despite inquiries about potential confrontations stemming from these acquisitions, Youssef emphasized that Sudan remains unaffected and independent, asserting, “It did not and it will not.” He firmly rejected outside pressures regarding their diplomatic dealings, stating, “Neither the BBC, nor Britain, or anyone else can prevent us from buying weapons.”
The statements made by Sudanese Foreign Minister Ali Youssef highlight Sudan’s determination to maintain military capabilities through international arms acquisitions while navigating complex geopolitical relationships. The emphasis on sovereignty and the right to engage with any willing nation underscores Sudan’s position amidst Western sanctions and its strategic alliances with countries like Russia and potentially Iran and Ukraine.
Original Source: www.memri.org
