Pakistan has suspended a $1.5 billion weapons and jet deal to Sudan after Saudi Arabia demanded termination sources said on Monday.
Sudan’s war between General Abdel Fattah al Burhan’s SAF and Rapid Support Forces has created a three-year humanitarian crisis and destabilised the region further.
Reuters first reported in January that a $1.5 billion deal was nearing completion and brokered by Saudi Arabia sources said then.
Pakistan military sought defence sales after its jets and weapons gained prominence following skirmishes with India last May year ago.
Saudi Arabia is a key ally of Pakistan, providing loans and financing as their defence ties have deepened recently further.
Saudi Arabia signalled Pakistan should terminate the deal after it withdrew financing support, according to a security source, who said on Monday.
Saudi government media office and Burhan’s SAF did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Pakistan military also did not respond, having never publicly confirmed the proposed deal earlier.
Western countries reportedly advised Saudi Arabia to avoid involvement in proxy conflicts across Africa, according a source.
A March meeting between Burhan’s SAF leaders and Saudi officials in Riyadh led to termination of financing sources said Monday.
Another $4 billion defence deal with Libya’s National Army is also in jeopardy as Saudi Arabia reviews its strategy.
