ICC prosecutor launches Ukraine war crimes investigation
The International Criminal Court prosecutor has launched an investigation that could target senior officials believed responsible for war crimes, crimes against humanity or genocide amid a rising civilian death toll and widespread destruction of property during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
UN experts: Darfur rebel groups make money in Libya
U.N. experts say rebel groups in Darfur that signed a peace agreement with the Sudanese government in 2020 continue to operate in Libya and profit from opportunities provided by the civil war and lack of government control in the oil-rich north African nation.
Cash-strapped Sudan clears overdue payments to World Bank
The Sudanese government says it cleared all of its past-due repayments to the World Bank. Sudan's cabinet said in a statement Friday, March 26, 2021, that the repayments allow Sudan to resume normal relations with the World Bank after nearly 30 years of suspension. This development allows Sudan to resume normal relations with the World Bank after nearly 30 years of suspension, according to a statement released by Sudan's Cabinet. The World Bank said that by clearing its debts, Sudan will have access to nearly $2 billion in grants for poverty reduction and sustainable development. The Sudanese government said that it shall soon discuss with the World Bank the schedule for the disbursement of total grants of $2 billion over the next two years.
US urges Sudan to build an inclusive government for all
FILE - In this July 30, 2020 file photo, residents displaced from a surge of violent attacks squat on blankets and in hastily made tents in the village of Masteri in west Darfur, Sudan. (Mustafa Younes via AP, FIle)CAMEROON – The United States called on Sudan Tuesday to build an inclusive and representative government that ensures peace, supports people on the margins and helps “those who have suffered achieve justice.”U.S. Another major rebel group, the Sudan Liberation Movement-Army in the restive Darfur region, which is led by Abdel-Wahid Nour, rejects the transitional government and has not taken part in the talks. Volker Perthes, the new U.N. special envoy for Sudan and head of UNITAMS, said in his first briefing to the Security Council that “Sudan is making significant advances in its transition. However, the remaining challenges are staggering.”AdOn the plus side, he pointed to the new Cabinet including signatories of the Juba agreement, and the government's agreement on national priorities.
Sudan announces managed currency float to revive economy
FILE - In this July 24, 2011, file photo, Sudan's new currency sits behind a window at the central bank in Khartoum, Sudan. (AP Photo/Abd Raouf, File)CAIRO – Sudan announced a managed flotation of its currency on Sunday, in an unprecedented but expected step to meet a major demand by international financial institutions to help transitional authorities overhaul the battered economy. The Central Bank said its decision would help “normalization of ties with international and regional financial institutions and friendly countries to ensure the flow of grants and loans” into Sudan's economy. Sudan was also an international pariah after it was placed on the United States’ list of state sponsors of terror early in the 1990s. This largely excluded the country from the global economy and prevented it from receiving loans from international institutions like the IMF.
ICC officials in Sudan seek cooperation for Darfur justice
The ICC charged al-Bashir with war crimes and genocide for allegedly masterminding the campaign of attacks in Darfur. (AP Photo/Mohamed Abuamrain)CAIRO – Sudan’s justice minister met with officials from the International Criminal Court in the capital of Khartoum on Sunday to discuss cooperation with the tribunal in the trials related to the Darfur conflict, his office said. Justice Minister Nasredeen Abdulbari said Sudanese authorities are conducting “internal deliberations” over “the best ways of cooperation” with the ICC. The ICC charged al-Bashir with war crimes and genocide for allegedly masterminding the campaign of attacks in Darfur. Two other senior figures of al-Bashir’s rule accused by the ICC of war crimes and crimes against humanity also are under arrest in Khartoum.
Death toll from violence in Sudan's West Darfur rises to 83
CAIRO – The death toll from tribal violence between Arabs and non-Arabs in Sudan’s West Darfur province climbed to at least 83, including women and children, a doctor’s union and aid worker said, as sporadic violence continued Sunday. Besides the 83 killed, at least 160 others were wounded, according to Sudan’s doctors’ committee in West Darfur. It also puts into question the transitional government’s ability to stabilize the conflict-ravaged Darfur region. Authorities in West Darfur imposed a curfew beginning Saturday that includes the closing of all markets and a ban on public gatherings. West Darfur province experienced a “significant increase” of violence last year, with half of the 40 incidents reported in the entire Darfur region, OCHA said Sunday.
Sudan says it signs pact on normalizing ties with Israel
Justice Minister Nasredeen Abdulbari signed the deal with visiting U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, according to the prime minister's office. Abdulbari said Sudan welcomed “the rapprochement" with Israel and other countries as well as the beginning of diplomatic relations. Although Sudan is not a regional powerhouse, establishing ties with Israel is deeply symbolic. During his visit, Mnuchin met with Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan, head of the ruling sovereign council, and Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in August became the first top U.S. diplomat to visit Sudan since 2005, when Condoleezza Rice visited.
US Embassy says Sudan no longer on list of terror sponsors
The U.S. Embassy in Khartoum said the administration removed Sudan from the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism, a move that could help the African country get international loans to revive its battered economy and end its pariah status. The embassy said in a Facebook post that the removal of Sudan from the list is effective as of Monday, Dec. 14, 2020. Delisting Sudan from the state sponsors blacklist is a key incentive for the Sudanese government to normalize relations with Israel. The designation of Sudan as a state sponsor of terrorism dates back to the 1990s, when Sudan briefly hosted al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden and other wanted militants. In October, Trump announced that he would remove Sudan from the list if it follows through on its pledge to pay $335 million to American terror victims and their families.
Sudan says deal with US blocks further compensation claims
FILE - In this Aug. 21, 2019 file photo, Sudanese Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok speaks during a press conference in Khartoum, Sudan. The deal would enter into force after U.S. Congress passes legislation needed to implement the agreement. Sudan was also believed to have served as a pipeline for Iran to supply weapons to Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip. De-listing Sudan from the blacklist was part of the U.S. administration's efforts to have Sudan normalize its ties with Israel. Sudanese transitional authorities have promised to hold elections by 2022.
Sudan deal plunges migrants in Israel into new uncertainty
After Israel and Sudan agreed this month to normalize ties, some 6,000 Sudanese migrants in Israel are again fearing for their fate. Now, after Israel and Sudan agreed to normalize ties, Baraka is among 6,000 Sudanese in Israel once again fearing for their fate. Israel and Sudan announced earlier this month they would normalize ties, making Sudan the third Arab country to do so in as many months. While he welcomes any deal that stabilizes relations between Sudan and Israel, he doesn't believe that opens the door for his return. “I do believe in what they’re talking about now, normalization between Sudan and Israel," Baraka said.
Sudanese officials: Diplomatic deal with Israel is near
(Sudanese Cabinet via AP, File)JERUSALEM – Sudanese officials confirmed on Thursday that a senior U.S.-Israeli delegation flew to Sudan on a private jet this week to wrap up a deal that would make Sudan the third Arab country to normalize ties with Israel this year. Two senior Sudanese officials confirmed the visit. One of them, a senior military figure, said the U.S.-Israeli delegation came to put final touches on a deal establishing ties with Israel. The officials did not give a time frame but said an announcement could come at “any time” from Trump. Getting off the list is a key incentive for the Sudanese government to establish official ties with Israel.
Trump says Sudan to be removed from terrorism list
President Donald Trump on Monday, Oct. 19, 2020 said Sudan will be removed from the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism if it follows through on its pledge to pay $335 million to American terror victims and families. Delisting Sudan from the state sponsors blacklist is a key incentive for the Sudanese government to normalize relations with Israel. Once deposited, I will lift Sudan from the State Sponsors of Terrorism list. The designation of Sudan as a state sponsor of terrorism dates back to the 1990s, when Sudan briefly hosted bin Laden and other wanted militants. The “state sponsors of terrorism” designation is one of the U.S. government’s most effective sanctions tools and bars virtually all non-humanitarian U.S. transactions with countries on it.
WFP fights hunger in food-deprived places, crises, war zones
FILE - In this Aug. 25, 2019 file photo, a displaced Yemeni receives food aid provided by the World Food Program, at a school in Sanaa, Yemen. The World Food Program won the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday, Oct. 9, 2020 for its efforts to combat hunger amid the coronavirus pandemic, recognition that shines light on vulnerable communities across the Middle East and Africa that the U.N. agency seeks to help, those starving and living in war zones that may rarely get the worlds attention. (AP Photo/Hani Mohammed)
WFP fights hunger in food-deprived places, crises, war zones
FILE - In this Aug. 25, 2019 file photo, a displaced Yemeni receives food aid provided by the World Food Program, at a school in Sanaa, Yemen. Rival armed groups divert food aid to front-line combatants or sell it for profit on the black market. Last year, WFP partially suspended its operations in the rebel-held capital over accusations that the Houthis were stealing the food aid. Just this week, gunmen fired on a WFP boat convoy carrying food aid to flood-stricken communities. During truces, the World Food Program occasionally managed to take limited amounts of food into besieged towns, where dozens have died of malnutrition and hunger-related illnesses.
Sudan, rebel alliance reach deal in ongoing peace efforts
The deal was reached between the Sudanese government and the Sudan Revolutionary Front, a coalition of several armed groups. Leaders signed the agreement in South Sudans capital, Juba, where talks have been held since late last year. The televised ceremony was attended by South Sudan President Salva Kiir, whose own country gained independence from Sudan in 2011 following decades of civil war. A peace that requires strong and firm will.South Sudan's president described the agreement as a milestone in achieving peace in Sudan. Kiir vowed to continue standing with the Sudanese to ensure the implementation of the peace agreement, according to his advisor and mediator Tut Qalwak.
Pompeo in Sudan, top US official to visit since uprising
CAIRO U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo arrived in Sudan on Tuesday, the top U.S. official to visit the African country since last year's ouster of its autocratic leader, Omar al-Bashir. Pompeo's visit on Tuesday is meant to discuss the normalization of ties between Sudan and Israel and also show U.S. support for the country's fragile transition to democracy. Pompeo is also the first U.S. secretary of state to visit the African county since 2005, when Condoleezza Rice visited. Pompeo was also to discuss the removal of Sudan from the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism. Sudan is now on a fragile path to democracy after the popular uprising led the military to overthrow al-Bashir in April 2019.
Sudanese demand reforms a year after deal with generals
Sudanese protesters march to the Cabinets headquarters in the capital, Khartoum, Sudan, Monday, Aug. 17, 2020. The protesters returned to the streets Monday to pressure transitional authorities for more reforms, a year after a power-sharing deal between the pro-democracy movement and the generals. (AP Photo/Marwan Ali)
Officials say Israel, Sudan close to peace agreement
JERUSALEM Israel and Sudan on Tuesday said they are close to reaching a peace agreement setting the stage for a possible second dramatic diplomatic breakthrough for Israel with its Arab neighbors in a matter of days. Sudan hosted the landmark Arab conference after the 1967 Mideast war where eight Arab countries approved the three no's": no peace with Israel, no recognition of Israel and no negotiations. In a statement Tuesday, Netanyahu said Israel, Sudan and the entire region will benefit from a deal. After last week's announcement with the UAE, Netanyahu predicted that other Arab countries would soon follow suit. After Netanyahu visited Chad for a renewal of ties in 2019, it was reported that Israel was working to formalize ties with Sudan.
Sudanese demand reforms a year after deal with generals
Sudanese protesters march to the Cabinets headquarters in the capital, Khartoum, Sudan, Monday, Aug. 17, 2020. The protesters returned to the streets Monday to pressure transitional authorities for more reforms, a year after a power-sharing deal between the pro-democracy movement and the generals. (AP Photo/Marwan Ali)CAIRO – Sudanese protesters returned to the streets Monday to call for more reforms a year after a power-sharing deal between the pro-democracy movement and the generals. The demonstrations were organized by local groups linked to the Sudanese Professionals’ Association, which spearheaded the uprising against al-Bashir. Hamdok, the prime minister, on Monday urged public and political support for his government to achieve needed reforms, including transitional justice.
Sudan finds mass grave likely linked to foiled 1990 coup
CAIRO Sudanese authorities have found a mass grave believed to contain the bodies of 28 army officers shot in a foiled coup attempt against former President Omar al-Bashir in 1990, the public prosecutor said late Thursday. It was the second Bashir-era mass grave uncovered in as many months. Evidence indicates that the mass grave is most likely where the bodies of the officers lay who were killed and buried in a ruthless manner, said the public prosecutor statement. The 28 officers who sought to overthrow al-Bashir were arrested and executed in murky circumstances in the spring of 1990. Such crimes will not pass without a fair trial, the public prosecutor said, addressing the families of victims.
Were they worth it?: Key protest movements over the decades
The very nature of a protest suggests a fervent desire for change, the need to right a perceived historic injustice. Confronting tyranny can also backfire, the result a more dictatorial leader or a ruinous civil war. Here's a look at some of the key protests of recent decades and what they achieved or failed. Syria exploded quickly from an uprising against the Assad dynasty to ruinous civil war which still continues with more than half million dead and millions displaced. In neighboring Lebanon and in Iraq, civil protests erupted last October against ruling elites.
UN moves toward ending UN-AU peacekeeping in Sudan's Darfur
TANZANIA The U.N. Security Council voted unanimously to move toward ending the joint U.N.-African Union peacekeeping force in Sudans vast western Darfur region and replacing it with a civilian mission focusing on the countrys democratic transition. The resolution, adopted by a vote of 15-0 extends the current 6,500-strong mission for six months until Dec. 31, 2020. The Darfur conflict began in 2003 when ethnic Africans rebelled, accusing the Arab-dominated Sudanese government of discrimination. In July 2018, the Security Council voted to dramatically cut the UNAMID force in response to reduced fighting and improved security conditions. In October 2019, the Security Council voted unanimously to keep UNAMID in Darfur for another year in hopes the new civilian-led transitional government can restore peace.
Sudan PM says he survived 'terror attack' in capital
CAIRO – Sudan's prime minister said Monday he survived a “terror attack” after an explosion and gunfire targeted his motorcade in the capital Khartoum. Sudanese state TV said Hamdok had been heading to his office when the attack took place. Hamdok also tweeted a photo of himself smiling and seated at a large desk, while a TV behind him showed news coverage reporting he'd survived. Sudan's transitional authorities announced in February that they agreed to hand over al-Bashir to the International Criminal Court along with other former officials wanted by the ICC. Sudan’s transitional government has also been under pressure to end wars with rebel groups as it seeks to rehabilitate the country’s battered economy, attract much-needed foreign aid and deliver the democracy it promises.
Sudan to tackle fuel subsidies as economy hangs on the edge
In this Sunday, Jan. 28, 2020 photo, Ibrahim Elbadawi, Sudan's interim minister of finance, speaks in an interview in Khartoum, Sudan. Sudan is moving forward with an ambitious economic plan that will slash subsidies and replace them with direct cash payments to the poor, Elbadawi said. A former World Bank economist, Elbadawi was appointed to the country's interim government last year. At the same time, sweeping economic reforms are required to re-integrate Sudan into the international economy and win support from international lenders. Many in the country’s civil society movement fear that lifting subsidies now could make the country's most vulnerable even poorer.
Images of starving lions in Sudan zoo spark global concern
In this Tuesday, Jan. 21 photo, a malnourished lion rests in a zoo in Khartoum, Sudan. With the staff at the destitute Al-Qurashi Park, as the zoo in Khartoum is known, unable to feed and look after the animals, many have died off or were evacuated, leaving only three skeletal lions.
Images of starving lions in Sudan zoo spark global concern
In this Tuesday, Jan. 21 photo, a malnourished lion rests in a zoo in Khartoum, Sudan. The unsettling images, shared on social media by a local animal rights advocate, drew impassioned responses from thousands around the world. But it wasn’t enough to save two lionesses at the Khartoum zoo, said local activist Zuhair al-Sarag. Locals concerned about the fate of the lions flocked to help recently, bringing food and medical items, despite the economic crisis gripping the country. “Many international organizations are willing to help” the lions, including an emergency rescue group expected in Sudan soon, said Osman Mohamed Salih, the first activist who appealed for help online.