U.S. wants more before releasing suspended assistance to Sudan

November 24, 2021 (KHARTOUM) – The United States will wait to see more progress in the implementation of Hamdok al-Burhan political agreement before releasing the suspended $700 million in financial assistance to Sudan.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday, November 22; spoke separately with prime Minister Abdallah Hamdok and the head of the Sovereign Council Abdel Fattah al-Burhan.

Following what the State Department issued a statement saying Blinken welcomed Hamdok’s reinstatement but noted the outstanding tasks such as the release of detainees and the lifting of the state of emergency.

Speaking to the media, State Department Spokesperson Nid Price added that Blinken called on the Sudanese leaders to build on the “first step” and to resume the interrupted transition.

“We must continue to see progress, we must continue to see Sudan move back down the democratic path, and that starts with the reinstitution of the Prime Minister but it certainly doesn’t end there,” Price further stressed.

Asked about the resumption of the suspended U.S. assistance, he said it depends on the progress achieved in the implementation of the 14-point agreement signed on 21 November between al-Burhan and Hamdok.

“These decisions will be predicated entirely on what happens in the coming hours and the coming days and the coming weeks,” he said.

“We must continue to see progress; we must continue to see Sudan move back down the democratic path,” he emphasized.

On Tuesday, Hamdok called for the release of remaining political detainees.

(ST)