RSF-led government to use Togo port for western Sudan trade

A delegation from the Sudan Founding Alliance, led by Trade Minister Mohamed Ismail Arkan, has returned from an official visit to Togo, announcing an agreement to facilitate trade through the Port of Lomé. The Tasis government, a parallel administration formed by the Rapid Support Forces and their allies, aims to provide an alternative to Port Sudan, which remains under the control of the Sudanese Armed Forces. This development follows a 2024 decision that prohibited the transportation of goods to Port Sudan.

The delegation, which included Foreign Ministry representative Dr Yagoub Nurein, held meetings with Togolese officials to discuss trade, political, and diplomatic cooperation. The talks focused on economic cooperation and investment opportunities, resulting in an agreement to open the Port of Lomé for import and export activities serving western Sudan. This agreement is part of broader efforts to establish bilateral relations based on mutual interests and strengthen economic ties between the two sides.

According to Dr Nurein, the delegation also reached an understanding with banking executives in Togo to establish bank branches in areas under the control of the Tasis administration. The visit was described as productive, with positive outcomes, highlighting Togo's influential position in Africa and its role in peace efforts between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda.

The agreement to use the Port of Lomé comes as a relief to traders and producers in western Sudan, who have suffered substantial financial losses due to the 2024 decision prohibiting the transportation of goods to Port Sudan. The restrictions disrupted established trade routes and access to export markets, prompting the Tasis administration to explore alternative trade corridors through West African countries.

The Tasis administration's efforts to establish alternative trade routes are crucial for western Sudan, where economic activities have been severely impacted by the conflict. The use of the Port of Lomé is expected to mitigate losses incurred by traders and producers, providing them with a much-needed lifeline.

During the visit, the delegation requested the Togolese president to launch a diplomatic initiative aimed at ending the war in Sudan. The Tasis administration's engagement with international partners, including Togo, is seen as a step towards finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

The agreement between the RSF-led government and Togo marks a significant development in the region, with potential implications for trade and diplomacy. Key points include:

Key points

• The Tasis administration has agreed with Togo to use the Port of Lomé for imports and exports.
• The agreement aims to provide an alternative to Port Sudan, controlled by the Sudanese Armed Forces.
• The deal is expected to mitigate losses incurred by traders and producers in western Sudan.