Photo / By Gary Raynaldo / ©Diplomatic Times /  Abdalla Hamdok, Prime Minister of the Republic of the Sudan at UN world headquarters  New York Sep. 27, 2019 

By Gary Raynaldo      DIPLOMATIC TIMES

The United States has elevated its diplomatic relations with Sudan by exchanging Ambassadors with the east African nation for the first time in nearly 25 years. The U.S. Department of State made the announcement Wednesday as Sudanese Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok made his first visit to Washington.   Relations between Washington and Khartoum have been bolstered following formation of a civilian transitional government in August that came after the overthrow in April of then-President Omar al-Bashir.

“Today, we are pleased to announce that the United States and Sudan have decided to initiate the process of exchanging ambassadors after a 23-year gap.This decision is a meaningful step forward in strengthening the U.S.-Sudan bilateral relationship, particularly as the civilian-led transitional government works to implement the vast reforms under the political agreement and constitutional declaration of August 17, 2019. We look forward to working with the Senate to confirm an ambassador to Sudan.”

-U.S. Secretary of State Michael Pompeo 

Since his August 21 appointment, Prime Minister Hamdok has led Sudan’s transitional government, installed a civilian cabinet, and made key personnel changes to break with the policies and practices of the previous regime, Secretary of State Pompeo said. He added that PM Hamdok has demonstrated a commitment to peace negotiations with armed opposition groups, established a commission of inquiry to investigate violence against protestors, and committed to holding democratic elections at the end of the 39-month transition period.

Sudanese Prime Minister Urges US to remove Sudan from  list of state sponsors of terrorism

During his address before the UN General Assembly last September, PM Hamdok called on the US to remove Sudan from its list of state sponsors of terrorism.

“We call on the United States of America to remove Sudan from the list of” State sponsors of terrorism and cease punishing the population for acts committed by the previous regime.”

-Abdalla Hamdok, Prime Minister of the Republic of the Sudan stated during September UN General Assembly 

African UN Security Council Members Call For Lifting Of Sudan Sanctions

The three African non-permanent UN Security Council members  Côte d’Ivoire, South Africa and Equatorial Guinea this month also called for the lifting of sanctions against Sudan as the nation transitions to civilian-led government.  A joint statement by  Côte d’Ivoire, South Africa, and Equatorial Guinea, in addition to the UN representative from the African Union (AU), welcomed the effort of all Sudanese parties that led to the appointment of the country’s new Prime Minister  Abdalla Hamdok,  as well as the formation of a civilian led transitional government last week.  They further pointed out that the AU’s Peace and Security Council had already lifted its sanctions against Sudan in light of the country’s latest political developments.

Sudan Remains On U.S. Terror List Despite African Nation Moving Toward Civilian Rule

Sudan remains in the US’ list of state sponsors of terrorism  ever since being designated as such in 1993 by then President Bill Clinton.  Sudan is still on the Terror List  despite the recent overthrow of long-time authoritarian President al-Bashir.  Last month,   US Under Secretary for Political Affairs David Hale met with Sudan’s Transitional Military Council Chairman, General Abdel Fattah el-Burhan in the nation’s capital city Khartoum.  They discussed the need for swift formation of a civilian-led transitional government in line with the recently-agreed political and constitutional documents, which the United States supports, according to a readout by the US State Department. However, the US terror listing remains on Sudan.

It will be interesting to see what the U.S. gives PM Hamdok during his Washington D.C. visit this week, as it is the first time a Sudanese leader has been welcomed to the U.S. capital since 1985.  The Sudanese PM will also have to do his part in assuring the U.S. it can depend on its new partnership with his newly-installed, untested government.  The PM will also have to be a key player in Africa in the fight against terror, corruption, and also make lasting peace with the previous military government.