Pakistan Suspends Arms Sales to Sudan
According to a report by Reference News Network on April 23, Reuters reported on April 20 that two sources from Pakistan's security agencies and one from the foreign ministry stated that Pakistan has suspended a $1.5 billion deal to supply weapons and jets to Sudan after Saudi Arabia requested to terminate the agreement and indicated it would not provide funding for the related procurement.
For about three years, the conflict between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces has triggered one of the world's most severe humanitarian crises, becoming a flashpoint for competing foreign interests.
Arranged by Saudi Arabia, the deal had entered its final stages in January, but it was not disclosed at that time that Riyadh would provide funding. This deal is one of several arms sales that the Pakistani military is negotiating.
A security source said, "Saudi Arabia has signaled that after it abandoned the idea of providing funding, Pakistan should terminate this deal." It is reported that some Western countries have advised Riyadh to steer clear of proxy wars in Africa.
The source said that a meeting in March in Riyadh between Sudanese military leaders and Saudi authorities led to Saudi Arabia's decision to withdraw funding for the deal. Another source indicated that a separate $4 billion deal with the Libyan National Army is also in jeopardy, as the Saudis are "reassessing their strategy in these two countries." (Translated by Qiu Fang)
Pakistan suspended a $1.5 billion arms deal with Sudan on April 20, 2023, following Saudi Arabia's request to terminate the agreement and its decision not to provide funding. The deal, which included weapons and fighter jets, was in its final stages before the suspension. This action reflects Saudi Arabia's strategic reassessment of its involvement in conflicts in Africa.
- Pakistan has suspended a $1.5 billion arms deal with Sudan at Saudi Arabia's request.
- The deal included the supply of weapons and fighter jets.
- The suspension follows a meeting between Sudanese military leaders and Saudi authorities in March.
- Saudi Arabia signaled it would not provide funding for the deal, prompting Pakistan's action.
- Other arms deals involving Pakistan are also under review due to Saudi strategic reassessment.