Sudan to review GERD deal, proposes $100 billion partnership with Saudi Arabia

October 1, 2025 (PORT SUDAN) – Sudanese Prime Minister Kamil Idris announced on Wednesday his country’s intention to conduct reviews of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) with Ethiopia and Egypt, and said he had presented partnership projects worth $100 billion to Saudi Arabia.

Speaking at a press conference in Port Sudan after returning from the U.N. General Assembly, Idris said he had proposed 100 partnership projects to Riyadh valued at $100 billion, focused on resources in the Red Sea.

He also announced plans for “detailed reviews” of the GERD with Egypt and Ethiopia to “avoid future disasters.”

Turning to the domestic conflict, Idris said the government was preparing an airdrop of humanitarian aid into the besieged city of El Fasher in Darfur and warned that any party interfering with the operation would be “punished.”

The announcement comes as the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) continue to block aid convoys to the city. Idris said his government had agreed on new aid corridors with international organizations but defended the state’s right to monitor their work.

“State agencies must monitor humanitarian work,” he said, addressing a frequent complaint from aid groups about restrictions imposed by both warring parties.

Idris said a peace roadmap presented by his government to the United Nations in March had received significant international backing and would be the basis for future talks.

The plan involves a ceasefire tied to the withdrawal of RSF forces from major cities, followed by a transitional period for humanitarian access and the restoration of services before a comprehensive political dialogue.

However, the roadmap’s terms were drafted before significant changes on the battlefield, including the army’s recapture of parts of the capital and RSF advances in other regions, which may potentially complicate its implementation.