Sudan’s DUP chief sought financial assistance from Saudi Arabia: cable

June 20, 2015 (KHARTOUM) – The head of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) Mohamed Osman al-Mirghani sought to obtain money from Saudi Arabia, a diplomatic cable published on Wikileaks stated.

The cable sent by Saudi ambassador in Sudan Faisal Hamed al-Muallah to his boss Saud al-Faisal in Riyadh said this request was made personally during his meeting with al-Mirghani on February 3, 2012.

The party leader asked for the support on the grounds that he needs it to fund the DUP general convention that would be held across Sudan.

Al-Muallah attached stories from two newspapers quoting the head of Parties Council threatening to take strong measures against parties that have not held conventions.

The ambassador does not give any recommendation and it is not clear if the Saudis ended up giving him the money. The DUP has not held its convention since the date of this cable.

Sudan Tribune has not been able to reach any DUP official for comment.

Al-Mirghani enjoys strong ties with Saudi Arabia and reportedly owns several properties in Mecca.

(ST)