The United States has lifted the 20-year economic embargo on Sudan, lifting trade and financial sanctions in an effort to foster ties with the Sudanese government.
Executive order to permanently repeal a range of sanctions as a result of Sudan’s efforts to improve security in the region was signed by outgoing President Barack Obama.
Now, Sudan will be able to receive imported goods and services from the USA.
The lift will also release frozen Sudanese property and assets held in the US, and permits the trade with the oil and gas industry in Sudan.
However, some US sanctions tied to Sudan’s “state sponsor of terrorism” title remain in place, including a ban on weapons sales and restrictions on Darfur-related sanctions remain in effect.
Darfur has been engulfed in a deadly conflict since 2003, when ethnic minority tribes took up arms against the government, accusing it of marginalising the region.
Sudanese president Omar al-Bashir is wanted by the International Criminal Court for war crimes and crimes against humanity, which he denies.