Saudi Arabia says it has deposited $250m (£196m) in Sudan's central bank as part of a support package for the country which is in the midst of an economic and political crisis.
The gift, plus a similar recent deposit from the United Arab Emirates, will help alleviate some of Sudan's economic pain - but it won't address the symptoms.
This is merely a very short-term fix to a deep crisis. People are having to get used to long queues outside banks where withdrawals are often limited to a maximum of $40 and spending hours in the sweltering heat lining up for fuel.
Sudan was always going to face economic challenges after 2011 when South Sudan seceded, taking with it most of the oil.
But the problem was exacerbated by the fact that then-President Omar al-Bashir's economic policy involved spending whatever was necessary to keep himself in power.
A huge chunk of the budget went on security, and the creation of militias to prop him up.
He borrowed from wherever he could, building close ties with China, courting support from Qatar whilst at the same time getting money from Doha's arch-rival, Saudi Arabia.
Mr Bashir sent thousands of soldiers to fight for the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen - in exchange for dollars.
Sudan's countrywide protests were triggered by sharp rises in the cost of food and fuel in December and Mr Bashir was finally overthrown last month.
But as negotiations over a transitional government drag on, many Sudanese are growing increasingly furious that despite braving bullets on the streets for months, the country is still being led by the former president's close military allies who are backed by Saudi Arabia.
The protesters have been insisting on a total change at the top and proper reforms to fix the country.
But the generals are standing in the way of that dream.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
Latest Stories
-
Many women have experienced intimate partner violence – Angela Dwamena Aboagye
12 mins -
Power challenges persist due to government’s mismanagement of revenues – Okudzeto Ablakwa
53 mins -
Jordan Ayew injury not as bad as feared – Leicester City boss
1 hour -
Stonebwoy heads to North America for UP & RUNNIN6 tour
1 hour -
FDA explains extension of best-before date for ‘expired’ rice
1 hour -
Rebecca Akufo-Addo, Mahama storm Akuapem North as NPP NDC slugs it out
1 hour -
Fatawu’s injury a big blow for us – Leicester City manager
1 hour -
No MC has influenced pop culture in 2024 more than me – Portfolio
1 hour -
Kpando NCCE holds dialogue for Parliamentary Candidates
2 hours -
Bawumia solicits support of CSOs to tackle ‘entrenched interests’ in corruption fight
2 hours -
I’m looking forward to working with CSOs, research institutions; they have a lot to offer – Bawumia
2 hours -
The former illegal miner who became valedictorian: Eliasu Yahaya Bansi’s KNUST journey
2 hours -
Prof Opoku-Agyemang slams gov’t over supply of ‘expired’ rice to Senior High Schools
2 hours -
‘Expired’ rice: Lamens Investments GH¢100k fine was for regulatory violations – FDA clarifies
2 hours -
No student has been served unwholesome meals – Nana Boakye
2 hours