September 14, 2008 (KHARTOUM) – The Sudanese central bank issued a policy memoranda instructing banks to void a rule made by Western Union corporation when making money transfers.

Western Union

The pro-government Sudanese Media Center (SMC) reported that the rule relates to money transfers made to and from government civil servants.

Money transfers by individuals to Sudan through the US based company are subject to more scrutiny than other nations. The extra measures required by the US treasury aim to prevent the flow of money to individuals or companies subject to US sanctions.

Western Union rules prohibit payouts “to any persons, agents, private enterprises, charitable organizations or other establishments linked directly or indirectly in any connection whatsoever to any governmental authorities of Sudan (which term for this purpose includes any governmental agency or entity and the Central Bank of Sudan), or for or on behalf of the Government of Sudan”.

The Sudanese central bank said that it will suspend any financial institution that adheres to this rule. The report said that the measure was taken in response to complaints by government workers.

It was not possible to reach a Western Union official to comment on the report on Sunday.

The move by Sudan may constitute a violation of the sanctions imposed by Washington on the East African nation.

In May 2007 US President Bush signed an order enforcing sanctions against 31 Sudanese companies owned or controlled by Sudan’s government from the U.S. banking system. The sanctions also prevent three Sudanese individuals from doing business with U.S. companies or banks.

(ST)