Sudan bans Egyptian farm, animal product imports amid tensions

Sudan’s cabinet has approved a ban on imports of agricultural and animal products from Egypt, Sudan’s state news agency SUNA said on Tuesday.

The cabinet also urged the private sector to import products directly from countries of origin, bypassing neighbouring Egypt.

Growing tension between Egypt and Sudan has led to mounting trade restrictions between the two countries. Sudan banned all Egyptian agricultural goods in March.

Sudanese foreign minister has cancelled a vital trip to Egypt following accusations by President Omar al-Bashir that Egypt is arming rebel groups to topple his government.

In a speech to Sudanese military personnel last week, Bashir said the army had seized Egyptian armoured vehicles from rebels in the country’s war-torn southern Darfur region.

Egypt’s foreign ministry immediately denied supporting the rebels.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi also rejected the claim saying saying “Egypt does not conspire” against anyone.

“Would I conspire and let elements attack our brothers in Sudan? We practice honourable politics at a time when honour is rare,” he added.

The two countries have been at odds recently with Sudan accusing Egypt’s United Nations representative of supporting calls to extend international sanctions against them, which Cairo denied.

Egypt also criticized Sudan for backing Ethiopia in the construction of a dam on the Nile which Egypt fears will affect its water needs.