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Calls for Autonomy in Eastern Sudan Raise Fears of Escalating Tensions

Calls for granting autonomy to Eastern Sudan have raised concerns about the potential escalation of tensions in the region, which has served as the base for the Sudanese army since the outbreak of the conflict in Khartoum. A group of the Beja tribes, the most prominent in the area, has demanded that the Sudanese government grant autonomy to the region in accordance with a previous agreement made with the "Beja Congress" during the presidency of former President Omar al-Bashir.
In a statement issued by Police General Osman Ahmed Faqray, one of the prominent leaders in Eastern Sudan, it was emphasized that the region is facing delicate conditions that necessitate urgent intervention to resolve the current crisis. He noted that disruptions at the ports and the paralysis of economic activities reflect a deep crisis rooted in unresolved historical issues since independence.
The statement also mentioned that the 2004 agreement, established by leaders of the Beja Congress, was a crucial step towards achieving stability, development, and peace. However, it was not implemented and was disregarded in favor of the Eastern Front agreement, which was imposed with an external agenda, exacerbating the crises instead of resolving them.
The statement called on the country's leadership to reconsider the current situation and take serious steps to activate the 2004 agreement and grant autonomy to the region, starting with the appointment of a governor for the region and the implementation of the agreement's provisions. It indicated that the current situation requires not only military solutions but also a comprehensive political vision that takes into account the security and social complexities, warning that ignoring these conditions could lead to a worsening of the conflict and the spread of war to the east.
Political analyst Ammar al-Baqir warned of the repercussions of the "suppressed crisis" in Eastern Sudan, due to the economic and developmental marginalization faced by the region. He explained that Eastern Sudan is a powder keg that could explode at any moment, especially with the emergence of multiple militias following the government's leadership moving to the city of Port Sudan. Al-Baqir pointed out that most of these militias are not linked to the Beja ethnicity, which has heightened tensions and increased demands for autonomy, even though this demand remains individual and not universally agreed upon among all Beja components. However, this ethnicity may unite around this demand as the conflict continues.
He emphasized that a call for autonomy, if it comes solely from the Beja ethnicity, will trigger a significant crisis in the region, given the presence of other population groups that may not agree with it, potentially leading to renewed chaos in light of the rampant availability of weapons.
He also noted that the "Eastern Division Militia," which has recently emerged and represents the Bani Amer tribe, could complicate matters if it does not align with the demand for autonomy.
On the other hand, political analyst Omar Mohammed Noor downplayed the importance of the call for autonomy at this time, stressing that this matter requires a legitimate government to define it. He explained that the current situation is disrupted due to war, and there is no constitution or government that grants any entity autonomy or federal status.
Noor affirmed that current demands will only have an impact if the region's population unites around them and escalates them through protests. He mentioned that the constitutional document governing after the fall of the previous regime stipulated a federal system of governance in Sudan, which was supposed to be resolved during the transitional period through a special conference that was not held due to the coup against the transitional government in 2021.
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BENEFIT AGM approves 10%...
- March 27, 2025
BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the company’s headquarters in the Seef District.
During the meeting, shareholders approved all items listed on the agenda, including the ratification of the minutes of the previous AGM held on 26 March 2024. The session reviewed and approved the Board’s Annual Report on the company’s activities and financial performance for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2024, and the shareholders expressed their satisfaction with the company’s operational and financial results during the reporting period.
The meeting also reviewed the Independent External Auditor’s Report on the company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. Subsequently, the shareholders approved the audited financial statements for the fiscal year. Based on the Board’s recommendation, the shareholders approved the distribution of a cash dividend equivalent to 10% of the paid-up share capital.
Furthermore, the shareholders endorsed the allocation of a total amount of BD 172,500 as remuneration to the members of the Board for the year ended 31 December 2024, subject to prior clearance by related authorities.
The extension of the current composition of the Board was approved, which includes ten members and one CBB observer, for a further six-month term, expiring in September 2025, pending no objection from the CBB.
The meeting reviewed and approved the Corporate Governance Report for 2024, which affirmed the company’s full compliance with the corporate governance directives issued by the CBB and other applicable regulatory frameworks. The AGM absolved the Board Members of liability for any of their actions during the year ending on 31st December 2024, in accordance with the Commercial Companies Law.
In alignment with regulatory requirements, the session approved the reappointment of Ernst & Young (EY) as the company’s External Auditors for the fiscal year 2025, covering both the parent company and its subsidiaries—Sinnad and Bahrain FinTech Bay. The Board was authorised to determine the external auditors’ professional fees, subject to approval from the CBB, and the meeting concluded with a discussion of any additional issues as per Article (207) of the Commercial Companies Law.
Speaking on the company’s performance, Mr. Mohamed Al Bastaki, Chairman BENEFIT , stated: “In terms of the financial results for 2024, I am pleased to say that the year gone by has also been proved to be a success in delivering tangible results. Growth rate for 2024 was 19 per cent. Revenue for the year was BD 17 M (US$ 45.3 Million) and net profit was 2 Million ($ 5.3 Million).
Mr. Al Bastaki also announced that the Board had formally adopted a new three-year strategic roadmap to commence in 2025. The strategy encompasses a phased international expansion, optimisation of internal operations, enhanced revenue diversification, long-term sustainability initiatives, and the advancement of innovation and digital transformation initiatives across all service lines.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to the CBB for its continued support of BENEFIT and its pivotal role in fostering a stable and progressive regulatory environment for the Kingdom’s banking and financial sector—an environment that has significantly reinforced Bahrain’s standing as a leading financial hub in the region,” said Mr. Al Bastaki. “I would also like to thank our partner banks and valued customers for their trust, and our shareholders for their ongoing encouragement. The achievements of 2024 set a strong precedent, and I am confident they will serve as a foundation for yet another successful and impactful year ahead.”
Chief Executive of BENEFIT; Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi commented, “The year 2024 represented another pivotal chapter in BENEFIT ’s evolution. We achieved substantial progress in advancing our digital strategy across multiple sectors, while reinforcing our long-term commitment to the development of Bahrain’s financial services and payments landscape. Throughout the year, we remained firmly aligned with our objective of delivering measurable value to our shareholders, strategic partners, and customers. At the same time, we continued to play an active role in enabling Bahrain’s digital economy by introducing innovative solutions and service enhancements that directly address market needs and future opportunities.”
Mr. AlJanahi affirmed that BENEFIT has successfully developed a robust and well-integrated payment network that connects individuals and businesses across Bahrain, accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies in the banking and financial services sector and reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a growing fintech hub, and added, “Our achievements of the past year reflect a long-term vision to establish a resilient electronic payment infrastructure that supports the Kingdom’s digital economy. Key developments in 2024 included the implementation of central authentication for open banking via BENEFIT Pay”
Mr. AlJanahi concluded by thanking the Board for its strategic direction, the company’s staff for their continued dedication, and the Central Bank of Bahrain, member banks, and shareholders for their valuable partnership and confidence in the company’s long-term vision.
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