بيان من بنك الخرطومOver the past few days, a bulletin titled ""Al-Karama"" has surfaced in the media. Written by Sudanese individuals in Cairo, it was circulated in WhatsApp groups on Tuesday, April 23, 2024.

The bulletin carries a report introduced as containing ""serious information about the infiltration of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) into the banking sector, particularly the Central Bank of Sudan and the Bank of Khartoum.""

The report is filled with lies, sourced from unreliable and biased entities. It regurgitates baseless rumors from those incapable of reaching the heights that the Bank of Khartoum has achieved in its over-a-century-long journey of excellence.

The bulletin, citing its ignorant and anonymous sources, falsely claims that:

""Influential individuals aligned with the Janjaweed still control the leadership of the Bank of Khartoum.""

""The state has yet to investigate foreign transfers to accounts linked to the militia.""

""80% of RSF salaries are still paid through the Bank of Khartoum via its Bankak service.""

It even spreads the fabricated claim that the Bank of Khartoum has refused to open accounts for entities affiliated with the popular resistance movements.

The Bank of Khartoum unequivocally asserts that all these claims are false, deceitful, and misleading. To reinforce this, the Ministry of Finance released a statement on August 5, 2023, refuting similar reports that alleged it was responsible for paying RSF salaries. The ministry clarified that it ceased any dealings with the RSF after April 2023, following the dissolution of the force by a directive from the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.

In its statement—issued over eight months ago—the Ministry of Finance emphasized, ""Rumors circulating in the media about the Ministry paying RSF salaries are absurd fabrications devoid of logic.""

Given this explicit clarification from the Ministry of Finance—the sole official body responsible for public expenditure and managing national finances—it is astonishing that the authors of ""Al-Karama"" could brazenly make baseless claims about RSF salaries being paid through the Bank of Khartoum.

The profession of journalism demands objectivity, integrity, fairness, and accuracy. It is a well-known fact that the Bank of Khartoum, established 111 years ago, predates the existence of the RSF and has consistently been a steadfast partner of Sudan’s Armed Forces, supporting the nation's dignity both in times of peace and war.

The Bank has been a victim of attacks by the rebellious RSF militia, which looted and destroyed dozens of its branches. Despite these challenges, the Bank has upheld its commitments to over 3,000 employees, who courageously ensured service continuity under extremely challenging security conditions. The Bank supported the Armed Forces, provided essential funding, and facilitated the supply of critical commodities such as wheat, medicine, fuel, and other strategic goods for the Sudanese people.

Has the fabricator of ""Al-Karama"" overlooked the fact that nearly every Sudanese family, both at home and abroad, relies on the Bankak application for vital services during these dire times? Have they ignored the vigilance of the state and its institutions in closing any gaps that adversaries might exploit?

The Bank of Khartoum, a wholly Sudanese institution, operates under the stringent regulations governing the banking sector and adheres uncompromisingly to national interests during this critical period.

Ironically, the authors of ""Al-Karama""—who have desecrated a sacred term to serve their malicious agenda—are themselves beneficiaries of Bankak. They feed off the very institution they attempt to defame. For over a century, the Bank of Khartoum has led the Sudanese banking industry with unparalleled expertise, trusted by more than six million account holders. Its Bankak service has become a household name, a symbol of reliability, and a pillar of national unity. Together with Sudan’s valiant Armed Forces, who stand firm against the RSF militia’s rebellion, the Bank continues to embody the true spirit of Al-Karama—not the version peddled by the misleaders.

Media Department – Bank of Khartoum

Wednesday, April 24, 2024