The United States on Friday lifted 20-year-old economic sanctions against Sudan, saying the country had made progress in stopping conflict and improving humanitarian access.
“Today, the United States decided to revoke economic sanctions with respect to Sudan and the Government of Sudan under Executive Orders 13067 and 13412, in recognition of the Government of Sudan’s sustained positive actions to maintain a cessation of hostilities in conflict areas in Sudan, improve humanitarian access throughout Sudan, and maintain cooperation with the United States on addressing regional conflicts and the threat of terrorism,” a statement released by the US State Department read.
The revocation of the sanctions will be effective on October 12, 2017.
The lifting of the sanctions comes a month after President Donald Trump’s administration removed Sudan from a list of countries whose citizens are subject to travel restrictions.
“The Government of Sudan’s actions during the last nine months show that it is serious about cooperating with the United States and has taken significant steps to stop conflict and improve humanitarian access within Sudan, and to promote regional stability,” the statement continued.
It however noted that “much more progress is needed to fully and sustainably achieve peace in Sudan and to cooperate with the United States on a range of Administration priorities, including further expanding humanitarian access, improving the Government of Sudan’s human rights and religious freedom practices.”
The process of lifting the sanctions imposed on Sudan was started by President Barack Obama’s administration towards the end of his tenure.
Read full statement here; U.S. State Department statement on Sudan sanctions
