Officials of the Confederation of IGAD Employers (CIE)
The Confederation of IGAD Employers (CIE) has called for an urgent regional and international intervention to stabilise Sudan’s economy and safeguard its private sector.
In a resolution reached during the Third Annual General Meeting in Nairobi, CIE urged Intergovernmental Authority on Development member states to ease establishment of Sudanese businesses within their countries to help them rebuild.
"As we conclude this three-day General Assembly in Nairobi, one of the most pressing issues we’ve addressed is the situation of Sudanese businesses, scattered across the IGAD region due to the ongoing war,” CIE president Bol Andrew Wieu Riak said.
Riak also appealed to the international community to assist those who have lost their businesses, helping them recover and revitalise their operations.
“This resolution reflects our shared commitment to supporting Sudan’s business community during these challenging times,” he said.
The resolution also called for diplomatic efforts, emergency economic assistance, and stronger institutional support for Sudanese businesses.
The CIE also emphasised the need for enhanced collaboration between regional employer organisations to develop resilience strategies to help Sudanese businesses navigate the ongoing crisis.
“This resolution marks a pivotal moment in the CIE's efforts to ensure the long-term stability of Sudan's economy and its integration within the IGAD region,” Riak added.
Sudan is facing one of the most challenging periods in its modern history as the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) plunges the nation deeper into turmoil.
The crisis is unfolding against a backdrop of extreme vulnerability, as Sudan remains highly susceptible to the impacts of climate change and disasters.
According to UN, severe droughts to deadly floods and compounded effects of conflict and environmental instability are pushing communities to the brink, leaving them struggling to survive.
Despite diplomatic efforts, the conflict that broke out in Sudan in April 2023 has continued unabated.
Humanitarians estimate some 11.3 million people have been forced from their homes and generating a dire crisis of epic proportions.