Carter Center to shut down office in Khartoum

February 26, 2014 (KHARTOUM) – The Carter Center has decided to close its office in Khartoum which carried out activities under the name “The Democratic Program” by the end of March, the government disclosed on Wedmesday.

Former US president Jimmy Carter, founded the non-profit organisation with his wife in the 80s, informed Sudan’s foreign ministry that the move was dictated by financial reasons, saying he failed to secure additional funds to run the office.

Foreign ministry spokesperson Abu Bakr al-Sideeg expressed regret over the decision, confirming that they received an official notice from the center about its closure.

He told reporters on Wednesday that despite the closure the center will not sever ties with Sudan, adding that representatives from the center will continue to visit Khartoum to follow developments in the country.

Al-Sideeg said that Khartoum was hoping the center could continue its work to follow drafting of a permanent constitution, praising the role played by the center since its office opened in Sudan.

Since March, 2013 the center has worked in coordination with Sudan’s Consultative Council for Human Rights (CCHR) to monitor preparations for ratifying the permanent constitution.

In partnership with Emory University, the Carter Center works to advance human rights and alleviate human suffering.

Since 1995, the Carter Center has worked to help reduce cases of Guinea worm disease in Sudan and South Sudan through its Guinea Worm Eradication Program.

It also organised a team with more than 70 observers who monitored the 2010 election process in all 25 states in Sudan.

Last year, the Carter Center launched a series of dialogues between prominent leaders from Sudan and South Sudan, aimed at strengthening peace and creating lasting understanding between the two countries.

(ST)