Sudan’s decision to join Abraham Accords unlocks US and regional aid
Sudan’s decision to join Abraham Accords unlocks US and regional aid
The country on Friday joined the UAE and Bahrain in normalising ties with Israel
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and White House senior adviser Jared Kushner applaud as US President Donald Trump
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and White House senior adviser Jared Kushner applaud as US President Donald Trump is seen on the phone with leaders of Israel and Sudan on October 23,
The United States has pledged an additional $81 million in aid for Sudan, following the country’s decision to join the Abraham Accords declaring the full normalisation of ties with Israel.
Sudan joined the Accords on Friday, a move analysts say could be transformative for a country that was seen as an international pariah state under the regime of ousted ruler Omar Al Bashir.
The United States Agency for International Development said on Saturday that the new assistance will help Sudan to “confront ongoing severe challenges related to a deteriorating economy, the global pandemic, and the worst floods in more than a century.
“This new funding brings US humanitarian assistance to the people of Sudan to over $436 million for Fiscal Year 2020.”
The new aid announcement was made the day after the Republic of Sudan joined the Abraham Accords brokered by President Trump, the statement said.
Since April, the UAE and Saudi Arabia have pledged $3 billion in aid for Sudan as it tackles several crises, including food insecurity and the economic ravages of Covid-19.
In a sign of rapidly shifting regional politics, the transitional Sudanese government had previously agreed on October 19 to pay $335 million in compensation to American victims of the 1998 Al Qaeda bombing of the US Embassy in Kenya.
Between 1991 and 1996, Mr Al Bashir’s regime was accused of harbouring Osama Bin Laden and since 2005, the former leader has been subject to an outstanding arrest warrant, issued by the International Criminal Court, for crimes against humanity in the Darfur region.
Donald Trump
President Donald Trump tweeted his support for the agreement between Sudan and Israel, promising Sudan would be removed from the US State Sponsors of Terrorism list once the $335 million deposit was made.
GREAT news! New government of Sudan, which is making great progress, agreed to pay $335 MILLION to U.S. terror victims and families. Once deposited, I will lift Sudan from the State Sponsors of Terrorism list. At long last, JUSTICE for the American people and BIG step for Sudan!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 19, 2020
Read also: A woman has appeared on her own funeral to revenge on her husband
