Sudan withdraws from international forum in protest against UAE

Sudan’s delegation has withdrawn from the 26th General Assembly of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), held in Riyadh, in protest against the nomination of Emirati candidate Sheikha Nasser Al Nuaimi for the position of Secretary-General.

The Sudanese delegation left the session immediately after Sudan’s Minister of Culture, Information, and Tourism, Khalid Al-Eisir, delivered Sudan’s address to the assembly. The delegation boycotted the voting session that followed.

According to the Sudanese News Agency (SUNA), the delegation’s withdrawal came as “a reaffirmation of Sudan’s firm stance rejecting the appointment of a president for the organisation from the United Arab Emirates.”

In his speech, Minister Al-Eis ir stated that the systematic destruction of Sudan’s tourism infrastructure “was the result of attacks carried out by the Rapid Support Forces militia, which is backed by regional and foreign powers.” He added that “these countries have contributed to funding and fuelling the war machine that has devastated the resources of the Sudanese people and their country, which possesses rich tourism potential, historic sites, ancient civilisations, and natural reserves.”

The minister also expressed Sudan’s appreciation to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia — its leadership, government, and people — for hosting and organising the 26th session of the UNWTO General Assembly. He commended the strong ties between the two nations and said that Sudan takes part in such international forums “to deliver messages to all countries of the world, urging them to stand with Sudan, support its people, and back its just causes.”

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