According to Sudanese PM Abdalla Hamdok, the East African country’s total debts amount to some $60 billion. France is hosting a conference of several African leaders offering to assist Sudan’s transitional government.
France offered crisis-stricken Sudan a bridging loan worth $1.5 billion (€1.25 billion) on Monday to help pay its arrears to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), while Germany is also keen to participate in Sudan’s debt relief.
The announcement was formally made by French President Emmanuel Macron, who is hosting a summit of several African leaders in Paris, seeking support for Sudan’s fledgling transitional government.
“Despite the difficulties, considerable progress has been made since the fall of the old regime,” Macron said in his opening address.
Hailing its transition as “an inspiration” and a “precedent,” he said that the international community had a “collective responsibility” to help Sudan realize its goals.
Alongside Sudanese Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said: “This contribution demonstrates the strength of our partnership and the trust we have in Sudan.”
Macron also announced the cancellation of Sudan’s $5 billion debt to France.
“We are in favor of entirely cancelling Sudan’s debt (towards France),” Macron said in a news conference. “We are expecting from other participants … to make a similar effort, which is the needed effort to free Sudan from the debt burden.”
Other countries in attendance at the Paris meeting, including the United States and Britain, agreed to clear Sudan’s arrears to the International Monetary Fund.
