US mulls removing Sudan from terror list as relations thaw

SUDAN could be permanently removed from the US terror list following its military’s participation for the first time in a meeting of the United States Africa Command (Africom) in Germany.

Sudan’s participation in Monday’s Africom meeting saw the suspension of its terror listing.

The move came on the heels of an easing of the 19-year economic and trade sanctions on Sudan last January. The suspension was in response to the collaboration of the Sudanese government on various issues including the fight against terrorism, the Sudan Tribune reported.

This fight has included taking steps against illegal migration, the arms trade and money laundering.

On Sunday, Sudan said the army Chief of General Staff Lieutenant-General Emad Al Din Mustafa Adawi had left for Germany to take part in a meeting of Africom chiefs of general staff in Stuttgart.

“Sudan’s participation in Africom meetings signifies a breakthrough in relations with the US and a step to remove its name from the list of countries supporting terrorism and the lifting of unilateral economic sanctions,” said Adawi.

The permanent removal of Sudan from the list will be decided in June when several US administration agencies meet to decide.

Earlier this year, Khartoum and Washington simultaneously reappointed military attachés in their respective diplomatic missions for the first time in more than 30 years. Sudan was placed on the US terrorism list in 1991 following allegations it was harbouring Islamist militants, who were attacking regional and international targets.