Sanctions end will buoy Sudan's domestic agenda

Significance

Washington’s decision ends Khartoum’s uncertainty on the issue and marks a considerable shift in US policy towards Sudan. Sudanese Foreign Minister Ibrahim Ghandour cautiously welcomed the move, describing it as a positive step in the right direction. However, he emphasised that Sudan still needs to work to be removed from the US list of ‘state sponsors of terrorism’ and obtain much-needed debt relief (around 50 billion dollars).

Impacts

• Sudan’s state sponsor of terrorism designation will reinforce negative perceptions among international investors, donors and debtholders.
• Sudan will cooperate with international peace initiatives, but without delivering major strategic concessions.
• President Omar al-Bashir will seek to portray himself as a reformer ahead of 2020 elections.