(Zaman Al Wasl)- Sudanese authorities have shocked investors of all nationalities with a decision that prevents them from any import-export activity, affecting a substantial number of Syrian traders who have already been granted Sudanese citizenship.
Madani Abbas, Minister of Industry, issued a decree on November 15 banning all foreigners (non-Sudanese) from all import and export practices, including those with a Sudanese citizenship. Amongst the affected, Syrian tire dealers called on the minister to allow them to settle their situation and to sell the goods stored in warehouses.
Sudanese media reported on Syrian-Sudanese trader, Abdul Qader Abu Ras, who suffered heavy losses because of the decision, especially since they were not given enough time. Forty tire warehouses are owned by Syrian dealers, who are now facing the risk of bankruptcy as the Sudanese authorities pursue them and bring them to arbitrary trials.
The risk is not confined to traders, but also to Syrian workers. Abu Ras recounts, “Two days ago, the police arrested Syrian workers and traders, imposing heavy fines on them that reached in total more than 1 million SDG.” Syrian traders with Sudanese nationality are investing about $8 million in the tire market.
“We import from China, pay fees to specifications and standards, and do not sell tires that do not meet the specifications… Syrian traders have faced racist behavior since the implementation of this decision,” he said.
He concluded that these traders obtained citizenship either by decree of former President Omar al-Bashir, or because they met the criteria of the Ministry of Interior. Sudan was one of the few countries that opened its doors to receive Syrians without a visa, which encouraged those fleeing the war. However, the situation soon changed with the outbreak of the revolution against al-Bashir and the arrival of the new authority.
Zaman Al Wasl
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