Trump’s Return Raises Questions on Sudan Relations
With Donald Trump set to resume the US presidency following his November 5 election victory, attention is focused on how his administration will shape relations with Sudan, especially through his “America First” policy. Though Sudan was not a prominent issue in Trump’s recent campaign, his first-term actions suggest a direction centered on advancing direct American interests.
“America First” and Trump’s Foreign Policy Stance
Trump’s “America First” approach prioritizes US economic and political gains while minimizing foreign involvement. Under his leadership, cooperation with Sudan may only be pursued if it directly benefits American interests, likely emphasizing economic partnerships with limitations on direct engagement.
Influence of the Abraham Accords
In 2020, the Trump administration forced Sudan to normalize relations with Israel under the Abraham Accords. This aimed to foster regional cooperation, distance Sudan from Iranian influence, and led to Sudan’s removal from the State Sponsors of Terrorism list, accompanied by economic benefits. Trump highlighted these agreements as instrumental for Middle Eastern stability, bringing together Sudan, Israel, and other Arab nations. A renewed Trump administration may revisit these accords, focusing on private-sector investments in Sudan rather than direct economic aid.
Countering Chinese and Russian Influence
While Trump’s policy favors limited foreign interventions, he expressed concern over growing Chinese and Russian influence in Africa, including Sudan. Russia’s plans to establish a naval base in Sudan, close to the Red Sea, raise concerns in the US. However, rather than direct American involvement, Trump is expected to collaborate with regional allies like the UAE and Israel to manage Sudan’s stability and counter foreign influence, aligning with his preference for regional partnerships over US military commitments.
US-Sudan Relations Context
After Sudan’s Al Bashir regime fell in 2019, US-Sudan relations improved, with the US supporting Sudan’s democratic aspirations. However, the October 2021 military coup prompted the US to suspend $700 million in aid and implement sanctions targeting individuals responsible for human rights abuses. Since then, sanctions have expanded, including actions on June 1, 2023, against companies tied to the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), highlighting US disapproval of Sudan’s military rule.
Legislative Actions on Sudan
In response to Sudan’s 2021 coup, the US Senate passed a resolution on May 11, 2022, condemning the military takeover and urging sanctions against the coup leaders. The US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) also sanctioned Sudan’s Central Reserve Police, citing violent crackdowns on pro-democracy demonstrators. In March 2022, the Senate’s Foreign Relations Committee unanimously approved a draft resolution for further sanctions on Sudanese military figures, underscoring continued bipartisan support for targeted action.
Bilateral Agreements and Claims Settlement
In November 2020, Sudan and the US signed a claims settlement agreement, addressing past terrorism-related cases against Sudan’s former regime. Sudan agreed to pay $335 million, in addition to $72 million previously paid, to compensate victims of past attacks. In return, Sudan was removed from the State Sponsors of Terrorism list, and its sovereign immunities were restored under US law, representing a significant reconciliation step.
Under Trump’s renewed presidency, relations with Sudan are likely to remain driven by American strategic interests, relying on regional alliances and private investment rather than direct assistance. Trump’s approach may involve continued sanctions on those linked to Sudan’s military-led government and human rights violations. As his administration reassesses its foreign policy priorities, relations with Sudan may evolve cautiously, with a focus on American interests.
