Sudan- China relations; still on a high pitch

By Ali Abdallah Ali

April 28, 2008 — It became very clear that no matter what the USA expresses of criticism of the Chinese role in the Sudan as expressed last week by the American envoy to Sudan Mr. Williamson in front the American Congress and his comment that he was disappointed with China still China goes on. This is reminiscent of a very interesting Sudanese proverb which says,’ the Dog barks, but the Camel goes on its way!!’ China seem adamant to continue cementing its relation with the Sudan government.

During the month of April 2008 four pieces of news came out of Khartoum; a) China decided to establish an agricultural research centre to help Sudan’s agriculture. b)The Chinese government decided to establish a large 100 bed hospital in the Blue Nile State as a gift from the Chinese people to the people of the Blue Nile State . c)A consortium of Chinese companies specialized in dam construction was given a contract of US $396 million to raise the wall of the Roseiris Dam by ten metres. The financing came from Arab Funds in the region. d) During the month of May 2008, a seminar will be held in Wad Medani the capital of the Gezira State, which is the centre of Cotton growing. In this seminar the Chinese will present a paper on how they can help Sudanese agriculture in that and all other states.

The above news mark a new qualitative change in the way China is helping the Sudan and to show its presence in the area of agricultural development in the heartland of the Sudan with plans to extend such assistance to other states where there is plenty of fertile land. China being given the contract of the raising the Roseires Dam to be carried out by a consortium of Chinese companies is a great achievement for China in Sudan. The Chinese are known to be good builders of dams around. Their experience in the construction of Merowe Dam in Northern Sudan is a clear proof that qualified them to get such a huge contract. Merowe Dam will greatly contribute to the availability of energy which will be vital for the electrification of Northern Sudan’s villages and towns as well as the overall requirement of industrial development of the Sudan which has been incapacitated by shortage and high cost of electricity for many decades.

Moreover, the Chinese are definitely cheaper with a reasonable level of technology than is the case with USA and European companies ,who in addition to being high cost they might not be able to bid to work in Sudan specially the American companies who are bound by the American sanctions which Sudan has been going through for the last decade. Raising the wall of the Roseires Dam on the Blue Nile has been a distant dream and was delayed for almost four decades for many reasons Raising of the Roseires Dam will avail water for the large tracts of fertile land which will help in the solution of food production for the sake of the Sudan and other countries in the region. Moreover, it will be the largest quantity of water to be stored inland for purpose of Sudanese agriculture. Many previous attempts by the Sudan to become the granary of the Arab world failed because of many factors that will be the subject of another article.

In addition to this there is the news that the Association of Journalists in collaboration with the Gezira State will hold a seminar next month to come out with a strategy to collaborate with China to give a big push to agricultural development in the region for the sake of Sudan and the region. One will have to wait to see the outcome of this important seminar. No matter what, it is very clear now that China is becoming increasingly a real strategic partner for Sudan not only in the area of oil, infrastructure, industries, social services but also in the development of agriculture which is the primary occupation of the majority of the Sudanese people. This vital sector was never given the adequate attention that it needed since independence.. The involvement of China in Sudanese agricultural will be a very significant development specially in view of the continued hike in oil prices and the rising prices and scarcity of food in the world for the years to come.

However, care must be taken that such involvement and development on the part of China should be for the benefit of Sudan specially the farmers and not at their expense. It must be admitted that such a development would not be possibly achieved, even if the Sudan succeeded in improving its relations with USA or even Europe. This is so because the USA usually does not welcome other competitors specially from the LDCs and specially in the production of Wheat. This is so because such development in an LDC such as the Sudan might weaken the role of PL 480, through which the USA provides food aid (Wheat) and which is a very important instrument of American of foreign policy. It will also possibly be the envy of its neighbours. This is so because if Sudan became strong in its agriculture, it will obviously become economically strong and consequently politically strong. This is something which will not be easily digested by at least one of Sudan’s neighbours. In fact this –amongst others-was one of the factors that hindered Sudan’s agricultural development for decades. The story shall be told..

However, one very significant reservation has to be seriously borne in mind by the Sudanese planners and policy makers. This is the extent of the price that Sudan’s economy and people have to pay by putting all its eggs in one basket specially if the direction of the wind changes. In the short and medium terms the Sudan given its present political frame have really no choice but to resort to Asia specially China because of Western reluctance to deal with Sudan. In the long run one could only say as did Lord J.M.Kenyes that “in the long run we are all dead!!”.

Professor Ali Abdallah Ali, is the Editor in Chief of Sudan Financial Times, Khartoum, Sudan.