Sudan to put first satellite in space this year

KHARTOUM, Feb 6 (AFP) — War-ravaged Sudan is to put its first satellite in orbit by the end of the year at a cost of 60 million dollars, the pro-government Sudanese Media Centre said Sunday.

Junior science minister Mohammed Hassan al-Bahi told the news agency that tenders for the launch had been received from both Europe and China and that the winning bid would be announced in the next few days.

The satellite would be used for communications, broadcasting and distance education, he added.

Sudan signed a peace deal with southern rebels last month ending a devastating two-decade civil war that was Africa’s longest-running conflict.

Ethnic minority rebellions continue in the east and in the western region of Darfur.