Follow the latest news from Sudan crisis here
The military conflict raging in Sudan will have huge consequences for the Sudanese people and the country’s economy, and could affect its neighbours if it drags on, the International Monetary Fund has said.
The Washington-based fund’s efforts to help steer Sudan's economy out of crisis with a $65 billion debt relief programme, the biggest in IMF’s history, have been derailed by the violence, Jihad Azour, director of its Middle East and Central Asia Department, said on Wednesday.
“This is one of those cases where conflict is limiting or reducing the capacity of people,” Mr Azour told a press conference in Dubai.
“The big impact is going to be on Sudan, on the Sudanese economy and the Sudanese people,” he told a panel discussion to unveil the IMF’s Regional Economic Outlook for the Middle East and North Africa.
“We were expecting that with the needed reforms, the economy of Sudan would recover and we would address the challenges [facing] its population.
“Unfortunately, political developments and recent security issues are preventing that.”
Sudan was plunged into a deeper economic and humanitarian crisis in April after deadly street battles erupted in Khartoum between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces that are vying for control of the country.
Army chief Gen Abdel Fattah Al Burhan and his former deputy Gen Mohamed Dagalo, who heads the RSF, have turned a dispute over the future of the paramilitary into street warfare.
Sudan's economy was reeling even before the latest conflict. It relied heavily on the international community for funding, and was hit hard by a 2021 military takeover that halted a transition to democracy.
Major economic backers led by the US and the World Bank suspended debt forgiveness and aid worth billions of dollars.
The country is facing its worst economic crisis and is edging closer to the international isolation it suffered for most of the 29-year rule of Omar Al Bashir, who was overthrown in 2019.
The situation has caused worldwide concern about the fate of the impoverished country of 44 million, as well as the safety of foreigners stranded there.
Foreign citizens and diplomats from countries such as the US, UK, Germany, Spain and Jordan have left Sudan and efforts are under way for more evacuations to neighbouring countries and other nations in the GCC.
As the human toll rises, Sudanese civilians are also fleeing the country and the flow of refugees is on the rise.
About 330,000 Sudanese have been internally displaced by the war, while the violence has so far forced 100,000 people to flee across the border, the UN has said.
However, the number of refugees is expected to rise further. The city of Port Sudan, on the eastern Red Sea coast, has become an evacuation hub with thousands desperately waiting to board ferries or planes leaving for Jeddah.
Many are walking hundreds of kilometres to Sudan’s borders.
According to Egyptian authorities, 40,000 Sudanese have crossed into the country since the beginning of the conflict.
Mr Azour said it was difficult to assess the impact of the crisis on neighbouring countries at this stage.
“This will all depend on the extent of the conflict and if the conflict will remain limited [in scale],” he said.
“What you can see so far is that there is an additional flow to neighbouring countries in terms of refugees.”
There are also “additional risks and uncertainties” that could affect the countries bordering Sudan, he added.
Last month, Moody’s Investors Service said the crisis, which has killed more than 400 people, will have negative credit implications for Sudan’s neighbours and multilateral development banks that have funding exposures to the African nation and the broader region.
“The fighting has caused significant damage to major infrastructure in Khartoum, such as the international airport, hospitals and schools and has forced most economic activity and government business to halt as civilians shelter in their homes,” Moody’s analysts, led by John Walsh, said in their April 25 report.
“If the conflict descends into a prolonged civil war, destruction of social and physical infrastructure would have lasting economic consequences for Sudan.”
Mr Azour, who called for immediate dialogue to resolve the situation, said the crisis also has a “huge human cost”. The IMF is in talks with UN agencies and others to help in relief efforts.
The IMF will observe the situation and assess how “things are evolving and what are the risks to neighbouring countries and try to help those who could be affected”, Mr Azour added.
The UN, which appealed for $1.75 billion in aid for Sudan on Tuesday, said it is $1.5 billion short of its target.
“The $1.75 billion joint appeal for Sudan in 2024 is only 14 per cent funded,” Jens Laerke, the UN humanitarian agency's spokesman, said in Geneva. “In other words [it is] facing a funding gap of $1.5 billion.”
Global state-owned investor ranking by size
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China
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UAE
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Japan
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Canada
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if you go
The flights
Emirates offer flights to Buenos Aires from Dubai, via Rio De Janeiro from around Dh6,300. emirates.com
Seeing the games
Tangol sell experiences across South America and generally have good access to tickets for most of the big teams in Buenos Aires: Boca Juniors, River Plate, and Independiente. Prices from Dh550 and include pick up and drop off from your hotel in the city. tangol.com
Staying there
Tangol will pick up tourists from any hotel in Buenos Aires, but after the intensity of the game, the Faena makes for tranquil, upmarket accommodation. Doubles from Dh1,110. faena.com
Silent Hill f
Publisher: Konami
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC
Rating: 4.5/5
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
Skewed figures
In the village of Mevagissey in southwest England the housing stock has doubled in the last century while the number of residents is half the historic high. The village's Neighbourhood Development Plan states that 26% of homes are holiday retreats. Prices are high, averaging around £300,000, £50,000 more than the Cornish average of £250,000. The local average wage is £15,458.
What's in the deal?
Agreement aims to boost trade by £25.5bn a year in the long run, compared with a total of £42.6bn in 2024
India will slash levies on medical devices, machinery, cosmetics, soft drinks and lamb.
India will also cut automotive tariffs to 10% under a quota from over 100% currently.
Indian employees in the UK will receive three years exemption from social security payments
India expects 99% of exports to benefit from zero duty, raising opportunities for textiles, marine products, footwear and jewellery
Types of policy
Term life insurance: this is the cheapest and most-popular form of life cover. You pay a regular monthly premium for a pre-agreed period, typically anything between five and 25 years, or possibly longer. If you die within that time, the policy will pay a cash lump sum, which is typically tax-free even outside the UAE. If you die after the policy ends, you do not get anything in return. There is no cash-in value at any time. Once you stop paying premiums, cover stops.
Whole-of-life insurance: as its name suggests, this type of life cover is designed to run for the rest of your life. You pay regular monthly premiums and in return, get a guaranteed cash lump sum whenever you die. As a result, premiums are typically much higher than one term life insurance, although they do not usually increase with age. In some cases, you have to keep up premiums for as long as you live, although there may be a cut-off period, say, at age 80 but it can go as high as 95. There are penalties if you don’t last the course and you may get a lot less than you paid in.
Critical illness cover: this pays a cash lump sum if you suffer from a serious illness such as cancer, heart disease or stroke. Some policies cover as many as 50 different illnesses, although cancer triggers by far the most claims. The payout is designed to cover major financial responsibilities such as a mortgage or children’s education fees if you fall ill and are unable to work. It is cost effective to combine it with life insurance, with the policy paying out once if you either die or suffer a serious illness.
Income protection: this pays a replacement income if you fall ill and are unable to continue working. On the best policies, this will continue either until you recover, or reach retirement age. Unlike critical illness cover, policies will typically pay out for stress and musculoskeletal problems such as back trouble.
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Islamophobia definition
A widely accepted definition was made by the All Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims in 2019: “Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness.” It further defines it as “inciting hatred or violence against Muslims”.
Match info
Champions League quarter-final, first leg
Liverpool v Porto, Tuesday, 11pm (UAE)
Matches can be watched on BeIN Sports
The rules on fostering in the UAE
A foster couple or family must:
- be Muslim, Emirati and be residing in the UAE
- not be younger than 25 years old
- not have been convicted of offences or crimes involving moral turpitude
- be free of infectious diseases or psychological and mental disorders
- have the ability to support its members and the foster child financially
- undertake to treat and raise the child in a proper manner and take care of his or her health and well-being
- A single, divorced or widowed Muslim Emirati female, residing in the UAE may apply to foster a child if she is at least 30 years old and able to support the child financially
Essentials
The flights
Emirates, Etihad and Malaysia Airlines all fly direct from the UAE to Kuala Lumpur and on to Penang from about Dh2,300 return, including taxes.
Where to stay
In Kuala Lumpur, Element is a recently opened, futuristic hotel high up in a Norman Foster-designed skyscraper. Rooms cost from Dh400 per night, including taxes. Hotel Stripes, also in KL, is a great value design hotel, with an infinity rooftop pool. Rooms cost from Dh310, including taxes.
In Penang, Ren i Tang is a boutique b&b in what was once an ancient Chinese Medicine Hall in the centre of Little India. Rooms cost from Dh220, including taxes.
23 Love Lane in Penang is a luxury boutique heritage hotel in a converted mansion, with private tropical gardens. Rooms cost from Dh400, including taxes.
In Langkawi, Temple Tree is a unique architectural villa hotel consisting of antique houses from all across Malaysia. Rooms cost from Dh350, including taxes.
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Suggested picnic spots
Abu Dhabi
Umm Al Emarat Park
Yas Gateway Park
Delma Park
Al Bateen beach
Saadiyaat beach
The Corniche
Zayed Sports City
Dubai
Kite Beach
Zabeel Park
Al Nahda Pond Park
Mushrif Park
Safa Park
Al Mamzar Beach Park
Al Qudrah Lakes
The Bio
Favourite Emirati dish: I have so many because it has a lot of herbs and vegetables. Harees (oats with chicken) is one of them
Favourite place to go to: Dubai Mall because it has lots of sports shops.
Her motivation: My performance because I know that whatever I do, if I put the effort in, I’ll get results
During her free time: I like to drink coffee - a latte no sugar and no flavours. I do not like cold drinks
Pet peeve: That with every meal they give you a fries and Pepsi. That is so unhealthy
Advice to anyone who wants to be an ironman: Go for the goal. If you are consistent, you will get there. With the first one, it might not be what they want but they should start and just do it
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
UAE SQUAD
Ali Khaseif, Mohammed Al Shamsi, Fahad Al Dhanhani, Khalid Essa, Bandar Al Ahbabi, Salem Rashid, Shaheen Abdulrahman, Khalifa Al Hammadi, Mohammed Al Attas, Walid Abbas, Hassan Al Mahrami, Mahmoud Khamis, Alhassan Saleh, Ali Salmeen, Yahia Nader, Abdullah Ramadan, Majed Hassan, Abdullah Al Naqbi, Fabio De Lima, Khalil Al Hammadi, Khalfan Mubarak, Tahnoun Al Zaabi, Muhammed Jumah, Yahya Al Ghassani, Caio Canedo, Ali Mabkhout, Sebastian Tagliabue, Zayed Al Ameri
Sonchiriya
Director: Abhishek Chaubey
Producer: RSVP Movies, Azure Entertainment
Cast: Sushant Singh Rajput, Manoj Bajpayee, Ashutosh Rana, Bhumi Pednekar, Ranvir Shorey
Rating: 3/5
