A campaign is underway within Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the transitional government in Port Sudan to remove Abdelrahman Ahmed Khalid Sharafi, the country’s ambassador to the United Arab Emirates.
Reports indicate that the call for dismissal comes from Ali Karti, a prominent figure in the Islamic Movement, which holds significant sway over the ministry’s diplomatic affairs. Karti contends that Ambassador Sharafi aligns himself with the Sudanese Coordination of Civil Democratic Forces (Tagadum), a coalition that opposes the ongoing conflict in Sudan.
Leaked statements attributed to Sharafi, where he allegedly labeled the civil war as futile, have intensified calls for his ousting. Despite the pressure from Islamist factions, Sharafi has considerable support from the Sudanese community in the UAE, who recognize his efforts in enhancing bilateral relations between the two nations.
However, this backing has not shielded him from threats posed by controversial figures seeking to undermine his position.
Karti’s recent comments about Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) chief General al-Burhan, branding him a coward, appear to reflect the ongoing rivalries within Sudan’s military landscape. Karti has consistently criticized al-Burhan’s leadership and military tactics, viewing these remarks as part of a broader strategy to weaken al-Burhan’s authority and bolster support for his extremist Islamic Movement faction amidst the conflict.
Who is Ali Karti?
Ali Karti, a high-ranking official during Omar al-Bashir’s regime, has been a significant player in Sudan’s political scene, both domestically and internationally. His political career is intertwined with Sudan’s Islamist movement, particularly the National Congress Party (NCP), which was instrumental in shaping policies during the country’s civil wars.
Accusations against Karti include indirect involvement in war crimes, linked to the actions of the Sudanese military and allied militias, which committed mass atrocities during the conflict. His role in government has extended to what has been described as genocidal violence in the region.
Additionally, Karti faces scrutiny over financial corruption scandals. As a senior official overseeing Sudan’s foreign relations, he is alleged to have profited from lucrative oil deals and other sectors, enriching himself at the expense of state resources.
His connections to illicit financial networks and abuse of power exemplify the pervasive corruption within the Bashir regime, where the needs of the Sudanese populace were often overlooked.
Karti’s tenure as foreign minister from 2010 to 2015 further implicated him in shielding the al-Bashir government from international scrutiny. He staunchly defended al-Bashir against prosecution by the International Criminal Court (ICC), working to mitigate external pressures on the regime.
Moreover, Karti has played a crucial role in the Islamic Movement that supported al-Bashir’s government, contributing to the suppression of political dissent. Under his influence, security forces, including the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS), were empowered to detain and silence critics through a combination of legal measures and violent repression.
As these allegations continue to unfold, they reveal the intricate web of power, corruption, and human rights abuses that have characterized Karti’s political career and the broader governance landscape in Sudan.