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.