Aisha Musa Criticizes ‘Opportunists’ of Sudan’s Crisis

A file photo of the resigned member of the Sudanese Sovereign Council, Dr. Aisha Musa (Reuters)
A file photo of the resigned member of the Sudanese Sovereign Council, Dr. Aisha Musa (Reuters)
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Aisha Musa Criticizes ‘Opportunists’ of Sudan’s Crisis

A file photo of the resigned member of the Sudanese Sovereign Council, Dr. Aisha Musa (Reuters)
A file photo of the resigned member of the Sudanese Sovereign Council, Dr. Aisha Musa (Reuters)

As all eyes turn to Jeddah, where a new round of negotiations is expected to start between representatives of the Sudanese Army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the resigned member of the Sovereign Council, Dr. Aisha Musa, stressed the “necessity of unifying the military institution”, and called on the concerned parties at home and abroad to draw up a plan to rebuild Sudan.

In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Musa strongly criticized “those who dominated the Sudanese scene and claimed to be the leaders of the delicate stage, while being opportunistic and seeking to achieve their personal goals or the ambitions of their godfathers, including the corrupt regimes or countries greedy for Sudan’s wealth.”

Musa said that her political movement, the National Mechanism for Democratic Transformation and Cessation of War, considered that a solution to the conflict begins with the formation of an emergency government led by competent and experienced members, who would adopt an approach that relies on the visions of broad constitutional popular debate, leading to the establishment of a transitional government and transparent elections.

The Sudanese official went on to affirm that neither the army nor militias of all kind have a place in the political scene.

“Rather, it is the role of civil society. The unified army, without accessories, is the guardian of the country and its security,” she told Asharq Al-Awsat.

She added: “This was a proposal known at the beginning of my term at the Sovereign Council, and before the country reached this disaster. Back then, I called for demobilizing the Rapid Support members, disarming them and giving them the choice between joining the military institution according to its laws, or receiving their dues, and leaving. I think that was the time when the relationship between the three sides worsened... prompting me to reveal the secrets and resign.”

Musa underlined the need to draw up “an accurate plan for post-war reconstruction, and to initiate a fair and deterrent accountability for those who caused, contributed to and carried out this devastating war, and justice for the millions of peaceful martyrs and victims, including children, women and the elderly.”



Brazil’s Foreign Minister: Relations with Saudi Arabia Have Grown Stronger

Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Brazil’s Foreign Minister: Relations with Saudi Arabia Have Grown Stronger

Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi-Brazilian relations have strengthened, particularly in political and economic cooperation, since Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva took office as Brazil’s president in January 2023, Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira affirmed.

Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Brazil’s top diplomat noted that the economies of Saudi Arabia and his country complement each other well, and that they are just starting to unlock their full potential.

According to Vieira, there are many opportunities for growth in areas like trade, investment, logistics, food security, and renewable energy.

Vieira also mentioned that during his visit to Saudi Arabia, alongside the Gulf-Brazil ministerial meeting, he held talks with Saudi officials, including Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih.

Investment is an area where the Kingdom and Brazil are just starting to explore significant untapped potential.

Vieira also emphasized the importance of Al-Falih’s visit to Brazil last year, where he led a large Saudi trade delegation.

The Brazilian minister described his recent meeting with Al-Falih in Riyadh as “very productive,” adding that both sides are optimistic about the future of ties between Saudi Arabia, Brazil, and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations.

Discussing the Gulf-Brazil ministerial meetings in Riyadh, Vieira reaffirmed that his country was honored to join a high-level dialogue with Gulf countries this year, marking a historic step in its relationship with the GCC.

During the meetings, Vieira held talks with the foreign ministers of Bahrain and Kuwait, and also visited Oman to meet its foreign minister to discuss common interests.

On Brazil-GCC ties, Vieira noted that there is strong political will to build strategic cooperation, as shown by the outcomes of recent meetings.

Vieira emphasized the growing partnership between Brazil and the GCC, saying that Brazil’s special invitation this year reflects the commitment to deepen relations, with the private sector playing an increasing role in finding new opportunities.