Ambassador El Gayly Mohamed Abdelhamid and Mr. Rufus N. Darkortey, Executive Director for Sudan at the African Development Bank, recently engaged in discussions at the Bank's headquarters in Abidjan. The meeting, held on April 4, 2024, focused on addressing Sudan's ongoing civil conflict and promoting sustainable development in the country.
During the meeting, Ambassador Abdelhamid stressed the importance of achieving a ceasefire to bring back peace and stability to Sudan. He expressed hope for a peaceful resolution to the conflict between the Sudanese government and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.
Mr. Darkortey, representing the African Development Bank and several other countries, extended his solidarity to Sudan and acknowledged the devastating effects of the conflict on the nation's peace and stability. He also praised Sudan's decision to grant humanitarian aid access, particularly in the Darfur region.
Furthermore, Mr. Darkortey highlighted the Bank's support for emergency operations in Sudan, including initiatives like the Sudan Emergency Wheat Production project aimed at enhancing food security and self-sufficiency in wheat production. He also mentioned the Bank's allocation of $1 million from its Special Relief Fund to aid critical humanitarian and food security response activities in collaboration with the World Food Programme.
In addition to national efforts, the African Development Bank is working on regional projects like the Emergency Project to Support the Stabilization and Recovery of Refugees and Host Communities in The Lake Chad Basin, in partnership with the UNDP and other organizations, to address socio-economic challenges in affected regions.
Mr. Darkortey emphasized the importance of protecting investments in Sudan by the Bank and other partners amidst the conflict, highlighting the commitment of Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the Bank, to assisting Sudan in its journey towards peace and prosperity.
The meeting between Ambassador Abdelhamid and Mr. Darkortey signifies a joint effort between the African Development Bank and Sudan to tackle challenges and pave the way for a more resilient future for the country.
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