A new era for Sudan?

Sudan is the third largest country on the African continent and the Nile river traverses the country from South to North, while the Red Sea makes Sudan a bridge between Africa and the Middle East.

Endowed with rich natural resources, Sudan was considered the 17th fastest-growing economy in the world in 2010 given the rapid development of the country largely from oil profits, despite international sanctions.

However, the secession of South Sudan after an independence referendum in 2011 gravely affected the economy, as more than 80% of Sudan’s oil fields are located there. The situation was further exacerbated by the continuing tensions between Sudan and South Sudan.

The 27-year period of isolation left Sudan a diplomatic pariah and blocked access to financial aid that it now urgently needs.

On December 14, 2020, the US Department of State officially rescinded Sudan’s designation as a state sponsor of terrorism after considering Sudan’s actions to normalise relations with Israel and the resolution of terrorism claims regarding the bombing in 1998 of US embassies in Kenya and Tanzania, and the bombing in 2000 of the USS Cole.

However, the lifting of established restrictions will not be effective immediately as the US restrictions are incorporated into several regulatory regimes that may take some time to be amended.

Despite this fact, the end of the biggest barrier to the African country’s access to international and economic development will open new possibilities.