Donald Trump moves to end Sudan’s terror listing amid push for Arab nation to normalise ties with Israel
- Sudan’s transitional government had deposited US$335 million as part of an agreement to compensate survivors of attacks under former dictator Omar al-Bashir
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed Israel was taking steps to normalise ties with Sudan, calling it the start of ‘a new era’
US President Donald Trump on Friday formally moved to delist Sudan as a state sponsor of terrorism, a step long sought by the Arab nation which faces US pressure to normalise relations with Israel.
The White House said that Sudan’s civilian-backed transitional government had deposited US$335 million as part of an agreement to compensate survivors and family members of attacks that took place when former dictator Omar al-Bashir welcomed al-Qaeda.
“Today represents a momentous step forward in the United States-Sudan bilateral relationship and marks a pivotal turning point for Sudan,” a White House statement said.
The deal with Sudan allows “for a new future of collaboration and support for its ongoing and historic democratic transition”, it said.
After Trump had announced his plan to delist Sudan on Monday through Twitter but before he took formal action, an Israeli delegation visited Sudan to discuss normalisation.