Jibril Ibrahim, the minister of Finance and Economic Planning, told Al Jazeera that Sudan Shield Forces commander Abu Aqla Kikel should be held accountable for his threats.
“Kikel wears a military uniform, and he has no right to threaten a state minister,” Ibrahim said during an interview on Al Jazeera. “He should be held accountable for his statements.”
Ibrahim, speaking during an interview, also addressed several political and economic issues facing Sudan, which has been gripped by conflict.
Regarding the Gezira agricultural scheme, Ibrahim said the government could not fully finance the privately owned project but that the Ministry of Irrigation was covering water supply costs.
“We care about this project because it provides food for our citizens,” he stated.
The minister, who is in the United States for meetings with the International Monetary Fund, said he learned through the media about the appointment of Ambassador Dafallah Al-Haj as acting prime minister by the head of the Sovereignty Council.
“I’m pleased with Dafallah Al-Haj’s appointment to manage the cabinet’s responsibilities,” Ibrahim said. “He is a capable man. It would have been better, however, if he were officially named prime minster and allowed to form his own government.”
Asked about Al-Haj’s prospects, Ibrahim said, “We hope he is granted full authority. The head of the sovereignty Council is overwhelmed with managing the war and other sovereign matters. Power should be given to the cabinet to ease the burden.”
Ibrahim confirmed that he had not discussed the prime ministerial position with General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, despite speculation. “Some people have suggested my name for the post, but Burhan has not brought this up with me,” he clarified.
Responding to allegations of nepotism within his ministry, Ibrahim denied any wrongdoing. He acknowledged appointing his private secretary, office manager, and personal driver from his Justice and Equality Movement but noted that two of the ministry’s undersecretaries were selected from outside the movement.
“They are not my people,” he said.
Addressing the possible involvement of former Foreign Minister Ali Karti in the current conflict, Ibrahim said he had directly asked General Burhan about it.
According to Ibrahim, Burhan said he met Karti only once, when Karti visited Beijing as Foreign Minister during Burhan’s time as a military attaché in China.
On the ongoing war and negotiation attempts, Ibrahim reiterated his belief that a military solution is necessary unless the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) surrender fully.
“The only way out is the RSF’s surrender and disbanding of its fighters, with those eligible integrated into the armed forces,” he said.
“I see no third option for this war. If negotiations are to happen, I personally prefer speaking with whoever bankrolls the RSF—I have no objection to that,” he added.
