Al-Jazeera State government approves war budget

April 21, 2024 (AL JAZEERA) – The government of Al-Jazeera State led by its governor, Taher Ibrahim on Sunday approved a war budget during a meeting of the State Council of Ministers and members of the security committee.

Also, present was Major Gen. Awad Al-Karim Ali Saeed, the first division commander.

According to a statement received by Sudan Tribune, the meeting focused on “transforming the state budget into a war budget focused on supporting the military and popular resistance in their fight against the RSF [Rapid Support Forces].”

The aim is to “bolster security, track the militia’s movements and ultimately defeat them,” it added.

The meeting also addressed plans for post-war development and reconstruction efforts within the state.

Sudanese authorities have not released details of the national budget for this year, but the Finance Minister previously stated that it prioritizes military spending despite a significant loss of revenue (over 80%).

The Al-Jazeera government meeting also discussed providing logistical, material, and security support to areas and villages recently liberated from RSF control.

Additionally, they emphasized the need to improve access to healthcare services in liberated areas, including supplying essential medications and purchasing a $100,000 orthopaedic operating room for the state hospital to address the rise in injuries.

(ST)