Powerful Gulf countries are not letting go of war-torn Sudan anytime soon, as Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates deepen their roles in a country weakened by hunger, economic collapse and a widening struggle over gold, aid and influence.
Since fighting between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces broke out in April 2023, Sudan has become a testing ground for Gulf influence, with powerful states seeking a greater stake in its gold, minerals and strategic assets.
Meanwhile, the interest has brought aid pledges, mining deals, new gold routes and diplomatic pressure, but it has not changed the reality for most Sudanese.
Instead, IMF projections put Sudan’s GDP per capita at about $864 in 2026 and real GDP growth at just 0.7%, keeping it among Africa’s poorest economies as war, inflation and displacement continue to weaken the country.
Gulf powers move in after war breaks out
