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US Awaits First Sudanese Ambassador in Over 20 Years

Natalie Liu

   The prospects for improved relations between the United States and
   Sudan took a major step forward with this week's announcement that the
   transitional government in Khartoum has named veteran diplomat
   Noureldin Sati to serve as its ambassador in Washington.

   The appointment, which reportedly has been approved by the United
   States, ends more than 20 years of top-level diplomatic estrangement
   between the two countries, and reflects steadily warming relations
   since the overthrow of Sudan's former president, Omar al-Bashir, last
   year.

   The Sudanese Embassy remains temporarily closed because of the
   coronavirus pandemic and offers only a telephone line for consular
   affairs. However, foreign affairs analysts in the U.S. capital welcomed
   the announcement and predicted progress on key issues, most notably
   Sudan's designation as a state sponsor of terrorism (SST).

   "Sudan's appointment is another marker on the path toward rapprochement
   between Khartoum and Washington. It is both symbolic and practical,
   enabling the two countries to address outstanding issues in the
   bilateral relationship," said Judd Devermont, director of the Africa
   Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Prior to
   joining CSIS, he served as the U.S. intelligence officer for Africa
   from 2015 to 2018.

   "The ambassador's marching orders will include the removal of the state
   sponsor of terror designation, as well as securing U.S. financial and
   political support for Sudan's transition," Devermont said.

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