Al-Burhan: Sudan Crisis Proves That the Global Financial System Needs Radical Reform
Head of the Transitional Sovereignty Council
Lt. Gen. Abdul Fattah Al-Burhan, , said that the Sudan crisis has demonstrated, beyond any doubt, that the current global financial system needs radical reform to achieve justice, balance, and equitable representation of developing countries in decision-making centers.
Addressing the Fourth Financing for Development Conference in Seville, Spain, today, he explained that *Sudan is not asking for sympathy or temporary aid. Rather, it requires sustained support based on genuine fairness and a just international system that enables Sudan to advance and fulfill its development commitments.
Below is the text of the Sovereignty Council’s address to the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (Seville, Spain):
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Mr. President
Your Excellencies, Heads of State and Government
Your Excellency, Secretary-General of the United Nations
Peace, mercy, and blessings of God be upon you
I am pleased to address you at this important international conference, which is a vital platform for achieving global solidarity and international cooperation in financing sustainable development, an issue that primarily concerns the peoples of the Global South.
It is an honor for me, on behalf of the Government and people of Sudan, to participate in this conference as we face one of the most difficult challenges in our country’s contemporary history.
First, I would like to inform you that Sudan has taken important steps toward civilian stability through the appointment of a civilian Prime Minister in the transitional civilian government. This appointment reflects Sudan’s steadfast will to complete state institutions and strengthen the civilian-led democratic transition in preparation for building a better future for our people.
Mr. President:
Our conference is being held amidst grave global challenges, ranging from ongoing armed conflicts and severe climate crises that threaten food and water security to turbulent financial markets and growing debt burdens burdening many countries in the Global South, in addition to a significant slowdown in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
In this challenging international context, Sudan is experiencing exceptional circumstances, suffering from the repercussions of a devastating war of aggression that erupted in April 2023 following a rebellion by an outlaw militia against state institutions. This has led to widespread destruction of essential infrastructure and a severe humanitarian crisis.
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Despite these grave ordeals, the people of *Sudan* remain hopeful and willing to engage constructively with the international community to rebuild their stricken homeland, achieve their aspirations for development and peace, and defeat all conspiracy and targeting schemes.
We are not asking for sympathy or temporary aid. Rather, we demand sustained support based on genuine fairness and a just international order that enables *Sudan* to rise and fulfill its development commitments.
Mr. President:
The Sudan crisis has demonstrated beyond doubt that the current global financial system needs radical reform to achieve justice, balance, and equitable representation of developing countries in decision-making centers.
We need a more just and inclusive international financial system that reflects the aspirations and interests of developing countries and gives them an effective voice in shaping international policies.
We also call for reform of global financial institutions to make them more flexible and capable of responding quickly to crises and the requirements of sustainable development.
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Development can only flourish in peace and stability. Despite their deep wounds, the Sudanese people look forward to building a new international partnership based on mutual respect, respect for national sovereignty, and common interest.
In conclusion,
We hope and pray that this conference will produce recommendations that translate into commitments and then concrete action plans to reform the international financial system, enabling the peoples of the South to rise and prosper.