The Sovereign Choice: Why Maritime Transport Must Be Entrusted to a National Entity in This Critical Moment
In recent days, a wide-ranging debate has erupted within Sudanese circles following reports of an intention to assign maritime transport operations to a foreign company. At first glance, this decision might appear to be a technical matter or a “modern” option aimed at improving performance. In reality, however, it carries profound strategic, economic, and security implications—especially in light of the extraordinary circumstances the country is currently enduring.
Sudan today is not engaged in an ordinary conflict—it is facing a full-scale invasion by the foreign-backed rebel Rapid Support Forces (RSF). In response, Sudan’s people are writing a unique chapter in popular resistance, standing side by side with the Sudanese Armed Forces. In such a context, every sovereign decision—no matter how technical or administrative it may seem—becomes part of the struggle for survival and nation-building.
Why National Expertise Is a Necessity, Not a Luxury
Sudan possesses qualified national personnel in the fields of maritime transport, logistics management, marine engineering, and port supervision. These professionals are not only academically and professionally trained, but they also possess a deep understanding of Sudan’s context, the priorities of this phase, and the geopolitical and strategic uniqueness of the country’s location.
Assigning a strategic sector like this to a national entity ensures that Sudan’s interests—not those of foreign investors or the governments backing them—remain the primary driver of decision-making. Moreover, employing national companies contributes to localizing expertise, generating job opportunities, and strengthening the internal economic fabric—at a time when the enemies of this nation seek to destabilize its livelihood and economy.
Foreign Companies: A Backdoor to Domination
International companies do not enter countries like Sudan out of a spirit of public service or knowledge transfer. They come with long-term contracts, monopolistic terms, and growing political leverage. Numerous global examples have shown how vital sectors have been turned into tools of political and economic pressure once they fell under foreign control.
At a time when Sudan is fighting a multi-dimensional battle, we cannot afford to gamble with our only maritime artery by handing it over to a foreign entity—one that may in the future serve agendas contrary to our national interests, or even jeopardize our sovereignty, security, or food supply.
Sovereignty Is Not a Slogan—It Is a Practical Policy
Relying on national expertise is not merely a matter of “supporting local products,” but a political and strategic necessity. It is a declaration that Sudan trusts itself, depends on its own resources, and makes its decisions independently. It is also a message to both foes and friends:
We are not ruled from abroad.
We must recognize that reclaiming sovereignty is not only about liberating territory—but also about building institutions that reflect the national will, serve the public good, and remain resistant to infiltration or external control.
Conclusion: Sovereign Decisions Begin in the Details
If we are fighting to defend the nation, then every institution we reactivate, every contract we sign, and every company we assign a task to must be part of the national liberation project—not a new tool of destruction or dependency.
The choice is clear:
Either we keep sovereign decisions in Sudanese hands, or we forfeit them with our own. This is not a time for experimentation, but a moment for genuine national empowerment.
Mr. President, take the mandate with strength…
A homeland with institutions…
Sudan—first and always.
Dr. Abdelaziz Al-Zubair Basha
