Inspiration from the Experiences of African Countries on the Silk Road to the Process of Development in Sudan: Will the Economic Belt and Silk Road Initiative Save Sudan from the World Bank Prescriptions Trap?

Abstract

This paper reviews the experience of African countries with the Economic Belt and New Silk Road initiative, which was launched by the Chinese President from Astana University during his visit to Kazakhstan in 2013, the paper reflected original experiences on the ground, and how it changed the face of life in some models from these countries. The paper provides insights into the history of the development of Sino-African relations, and the course of the initiative in African countries, and presented some opinions in the written literature about this experience. The paper also, presented an evaluation of some scholars, politicians and academicians about that, and then presented examples of projects implemented in some African countries and their impact on the development of life in economic, social and developmental terms, as cross-border projects and their impact on linking relations between peoples and facilitating life, then briefly reviewing the history and development of the Sudanese-Chinese relations with a focus on the period of Islamists' rule that was displaced by the 19 December 2018 revolution in Sudan, which was characterized with great momentum due to the period in which Sudan witnessed the successful extraction of oil in commercial quantities, But Sudan did not benefit from that period and the huge money obtained.The researcher cited the reasons that prevented Sudan from benefiting from these huge funds, detailed and discussed this, then presented his visions for the future of Sudanese-Chinese relations and how to benefit from the Chinese experience for the future of Sudan by drawing inspiration from the African experience with the Economic Belt Initiative and the New Silk Road as it is open to all peoples and countries of the world, with an understanding and visions that transcend the difficult conditions of the World Bank, monetary institutions and Western banks, and constitute an alternative and a savior for poor countries from exploitation, harsh conditions, loss of freedom of choice, scratching of national sovereignty and the pressures that always fall into them when they need loans and technology from Western countries.The author concluded that, the Economic Belt and New Silk Road initiative, constitutes a lifeline for Sudan, if it is properly dealt with the opportunities it offers that may not be repeated soon.

Keywords:Africa, the New Silk Road, the Economic Belt Initiative, the Chinese experience, Sudan, the rule of Islamists, Win-Win base.

DOI: 10.7176/RHSS/11-8-04

Publication date: April 30^th 2021