Saudi delegation to discuss ad for Sudan’s energy, health, and water sectors

March 22, 2025 (PORT SUDAN) – Sudan’s Finance Ministry said on Saturday a high-level Saudi delegation would soon arrive for talks on supporting the country’s energy, health, and water projects.

Sudan’s electricity sector and much of its infrastructure have been extensively damaged during the ongoing conflict, with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) accused of attacking power stations with drones. Transformers have also been sabotaged and looted for copper and oil.

The Finance Ministry, in a statement seen by Sudan Tribune, said a Saudi delegation, led by the Kingdom’s ambassador to Sudan, would arrive in Port Sudan in the coming days “to discuss possible support in the fields of energy, electricity, health, and water.”

Saudi Arabia had expressed interest in identifying the Sudanese government’s development priorities and needs in the energy, electricity, and health sectors, the ministry added.

The Saudi ambassador to Khartoum recently accompanied Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Walid Al-Khuraiji on a tour of Sudan’s neighbouring countries, including South Sudan, Ethiopia, and Chad. Discussions on the situation in Sudan were part of the agenda, alongside other topics.

Jeddah previously hosted negotiations between the Sudanese army and the RSF, brokered by Riyadh and Washington. The parties reached an advanced understanding of ending the conflict before the talks stalled due to a failure to implement confidence-building measures.

Sudanese Foreign Minister Ali Youssif, according to the Finance Ministry statement, described the Saudi initiative to discuss support for the energy, health, and water sectors as a “qualitative shift” towards infrastructure projects and Sudan’s reconstruction.

Finance Minister Gibril Ibrahim welcomed Saudi Arabia’s initiative and its support for rebuilding efforts.

During a meeting with the foreign minister and other ministerial representatives, Ibrahim called for a focus on urgent relief projects in infrastructure and basic services.

The ministers agreed on the need to prioritize the energy, health, and water sectors, as well as agriculture and education projects, the statement said.

Up to 80% of healthcare facilities in conflict zones are no longer operational due to looting, destruction, and occupation, according to aid groups. The industrial base, trade, and agricultural activities, particularly in Darfur and Al-Jazira state,