Introduction
The United States has had a complex relationship with Sudan over the years, marked both by support for the country and its government and by condemnation of the same. The policies of the US towards Sudan have been shaped by the country’s domestic politics, its regional role, and the global interests of the US. Underlying all these factors has been the human rights situation in the country, which has been a significant concern for US policymakers.
Historical Overview
The US-Sudan relationship has been marked by ups and downs over the years, with several turning points. The first major point was in the early 1970s when the US started to provide economic and military aid to Sudan under President Gaafar Nimeiry. This support continued even after Nimeiry declared himself a socialist and started to move the country closer to the Soviet Union. The relationship between the two countries reached a low point in the mid-1990s when the US designated Sudan as a state sponsor of terrorism.
In 1995, however, President Bill Clinton’s administration changed its approach, launching a dialogue with the then-Islamist government in Sudan. This new engagement was driven by two factors: concerns about Islamist terrorism and a desire to end the North-South civil war in Sudan. The US hoped that by engaging with Sudan and its Islamist government, it could persuade them to stop supporting terrorist groups and to work towards peace in the country. This engagement eventually led to the lifting of US sanctions against Sudan in 1997.
US Policies on Darfur
The US’s relationship with Sudan hit another turning point when the Darfur crisis erupted. Darfur is a region in western Sudan that has been plagued by conflict since 2003. The US accused the Sudanese government of waging a genocide against the people of Darfur, and it has been one of the most vocal advocates for international action to stop the violence and bring those responsible to justice. The US’s approach to Darfur has been marked by a mix of diplomatic engagement, advocacy for sanctions, and support for humanitarian assistance.
In 2006, the US imposed economic sanctions on Sudan, citing the country’s actions in Darfur. The sanctions targeted key sectors of the Sudanese economy, such as oil and banking, and sought to isolate Sudan financially. The US also advocated for UN sanctions against Sudan, which were eventually imposed in 2007.
In addition to economic sanctions, the US has worked to provide humanitarian assistance to the people of Darfur. The US has been one of the largest donors of humanitarian aid in the region, providing food, water, medical care, and other essential services to those affected by the violence. The US has also been a key supporter of the African Union-UN hybrid peacekeeping mission in Darfur, which was established in 2007.
US Policies on South Sudan
More recently, the US’s relationship with Sudan has been shaped by the independence of South Sudan in 2011. The new country was born out of a long and bloody civil war between Sudan’s Arab-dominated government and the predominantly Christian and animist South. The US played a key role in brokering the 2005 peace agreement that ended the war and paved the way for the independence of South Sudan.
Since independence, the US has continued to support South Sudan financially and diplomatically. US assistance has focused on humanitarian aid and capacity building, with the aim of helping South Sudan establish a stable and democratically elected government. The US has also been a key supporter of the UN peacekeeping mission in South Sudan, which was established in 2011.
However, the US has also been critical of the government of South Sudan, which has been plagued by corruption, ethnic conflict, and human rights abuses. In 2014, the US imposed sanctions on South Sudanese officials responsible for fueling the conflict in the country. The US also played a key role in brokering the 2018 peace deal between the government and opposition forces, which is aimed at ending the civil war that broke out in 2013.
Conclusion
The policies of the US towards Sudan have been shaped by several factors, including the country’s domestic politics, regional role, and global interests. Underlying all these factors has been the human rights situation in the country, which has been a significant concern for US policymakers. The US has played a key role in brokering peace agreements in Sudan and South Sudan and has been a major supporter of humanitarian aid in both countries. However, the US has also been critical of the governments of both countries for their actions in Darfur and South Sudan. Despite the complexities of the relationship between the US and Sudan, the US remains committed to promoting peace and stability in the region.
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