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Khalid Youssif to Asharq Al-Awsat: Collapse of Sudanese State Possible if War Persists

Khalid Omer Youssif (AFP)
Khalid Omer Youssif (AFP)
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Khalid Youssif to Asharq Al-Awsat: Collapse of Sudanese State Possible if War Persists

Khalid Omer Youssif (AFP)
Khalid Omer Youssif (AFP)

Khalid Omer Youssif, one of Sudan’s notable opposition figures and former minister, characterized the ongoing conflict in the North African country as a futile “war with no victors.” He highlighted the nation as the ultimate loser in this conflict and cautioned of the potential “dismantlement of the state” if the war persists.

Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat in an online interview, Youssif emphasized the urgent need for halting the conflict “immediately.”

Youssif, also a spokesman of Sudan’s political process, denounced claims that the country’s Forces of Freedom and Change (FFC) and civil signatories of the “Framework Agreement” were contributing to the conflict.

He rejected allegations directed at the FFC and civilian parties, labeling them as “falsehoods” propagated by members of the National Congress Party (NCP), established by Sudan's deposed leader, Omar al-Bashir, to conceal their involvement in initiating and perpetuating the conflict.

Youssif emphasized that the FFC was alert to the former regime’s efforts to create division between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and presented a political and negotiation-based solution to avoid armed conflict.

He added that the alliance had established a political agreement with the leadership of the army, RSF, and civilian forces to reform the security and military sectors. Youssif asserted that the FFC had pursued this objective, even up to the day before the outbreak of the fighting.

Youssif revealed that there is continued communication between the signatories of the Framework Agreement and the leadership of the army and the RSF.

The Sudanese spokesman stated that the “US-Saudi initiative has made significant progress in extending the ongoing humanitarian ceasefire and organizing a direct meeting to achieve a permanent end to hostilities, which will pave the way for a comprehensive political solution.”

He further mentioned that the FFC wholeheartedly supports this initiative as a genuine opportunity to bring an end to the war.

Youssif voiced his optimism for “a close end to the wretched war,” but also cautioned about “the collapse of the country.”

“We aspire and strive for an immediate end to the conflict, hopefully by today or tomorrow,” he said.

“This wretched war will ultimately lead to the country's downfall and ruin,” he warned.

“Our hope lies in the widespread popular rejection of the war and the realization that it is a losing battle for the nation, with no good outcome to be expected from it whatsoever,” explained Youssif.

According to Youssif, stopping the war is the “utmost priority” and should come before considering any other political options.

He also expressed confidence that the conflict has not shattered the Sudanese people’s aspirations for a democratic and civilian government.

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Syrian Minister of Economy: Sanctions Relief Tied to Reforms

Syrian Minister of Economy and Industry Nidal Al-Shaar standing in line outside Al-Razi Bakery in Aleppo Province, listening to citizens’ concerns (Facebook page). 
Syrian Minister of Economy and Industry Nidal Al-Shaar standing in line outside Al-Razi Bakery in Aleppo Province, listening to citizens’ concerns (Facebook page). 
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Syrian Minister of Economy: Sanctions Relief Tied to Reforms

Syrian Minister of Economy and Industry Nidal Al-Shaar standing in line outside Al-Razi Bakery in Aleppo Province, listening to citizens’ concerns (Facebook page). 
Syrian Minister of Economy and Industry Nidal Al-Shaar standing in line outside Al-Razi Bakery in Aleppo Province, listening to citizens’ concerns (Facebook page). 

Syrian Minister of Economy and Industry Nidal Al-Shaar stated that while the serious lifting of US sanctions on Syria could gradually yield positive results for the country’s economy, expectations must remain realistic, as rebuilding trust in the Syrian economy is essential.

In an exclusive interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Al-Shaar described the removal of sanctions as a necessary first step toward eliminating the obstacles that have long hindered Syria’s economic recovery. Although the immediate impact will likely be limited, he noted that in the medium term, improvements in trade activity and the resumption of some banking transactions could help create a more favorable environment for investment and production.

The breakthrough came after Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman successfully facilitated a thaw in relations between Washington and Damascus, ultimately convincing the US president to lift sanctions on Syria. During his historic visit to Saudi Arabia last Wednesday, President Donald Trump announced he would order the removal of all sanctions on Syria to “give it a chance to thrive”—a move seen as a major opportunity for the country to begin a new chapter.

Al-Shaar cautioned, however, that Syrians should not expect an immediate improvement in living standards. “We need to manage the post-sanctions phase with an open and pragmatic economic mindset,” he said, stressing that real progress will only come if sanctions relief is accompanied by meaningful economic reforms, increased transparency, and support for the business climate.

He added that Syrians will begin to feel the difference when the cost of living declines and job opportunities grow—an outcome that requires time, planning, and stability.

According to Al-Shaar, the first tangible benefits of lifting sanctions are likely to be seen in the banking and trade sectors, through facilitated financial transfers, improved access to essential goods, and lower transportation and import costs. “We may also see initial interest from investors who were previously deterred by legal restrictions,” he said. “But it’s important to emphasize that political openness alone isn’t enough—there must also be genuine economic openness from within.”

He also underscored the importance of regional support, saying that any positive role played by neighboring countries in encouraging the US to lift sanctions and normalize ties with Damascus “must be met with appreciation and cooperation.” Al-Shaar emphasized that robust intra-Arab economic relations should form a cornerstone of any reconstruction phase. “We need an economic approach that is open to the Arab world, and we could see strategic partnerships that reignite the national economy—especially through the financing of major infrastructure and development projects.”

When asked whether he expects a surge in Arab and foreign investment following the lifting of sanctions, Al-Shaar responded: “Yes, there is growing interest in investing in Syria, and several companies have already entered the market. But investors first and foremost seek legal certainty and political guarantees.” He explained that investment is not driven solely by the removal of sanctions, but by the presence of an encouraging institutional environment. “If we can enhance transparency, streamline procedures, and ensure stability, we will gradually see greater capital inflows—especially in the service, industrial, and agricultural sectors.”

As for which countries may play a significant role in Syria’s reconstruction, Al-Shaar said: “Countries with long-term interests in regional stability will be at the forefront of the rebuilding process. But we must first rebuild our internal foundations and develop an economic model capable of attracting partners under balanced conditions—ones that protect economic sovereignty and promote inclusive development.”

The minister concluded by stressing that lifting sanctions, while significant, is not the end of the crisis. “Rather, it may mark the beginning of a new phase—one filled with challenges,” he said. “The greatest challenge isn’t securing funding, but managing resources wisely, upholding the principles of productivity, justice, and transparency. We need a proactive—not reactive—economy. We must restore the value of work and implement policies that put people at the center of development. Only then can we say we are beginning to emerge from the bottleneck.”

Last Wednesday, Riyadh hosted a landmark meeting between the Crown Prince, Trump, and Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa—marking the first meeting between a Syrian and a US president since Hafez Al-Assad met Bill Clinton in Geneva in 2000.

Most US sanctions on Syria were imposed after the outbreak of the country’s conflict in 2011. These targeted deposed President Bashar Al-Assad, members of his family, and various political and economic figures. In 2020, additional sanctions came into effect under the Caesar Act, targeting Assad’s inner circle and imposing severe penalties on any entity or company dealing with the Syrian regime. The Act also sanctioned Syria’s construction, oil, and gas sectors and prohibited US funding for reconstruction—while exempting humanitarian organizations operating in the country.