Sudan has a complicated foreign policy history that has been influenced by changes in political leadership, regional factors, and decades of internal warfare. Natural resources, especially gold and oil, and the country’s geographic location, which connects Sub-Saharan Africa and the Arab world, have considerable impact on its diplomacy. Sudan has adopted many foreign policy philosophies throughout the years, reflecting both internal shifts and external influences.
Regional relations in Africa
The connection among Sudan and its neighbors in Africa has been a significant part of its international strategy. The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the African Union (AU), of which the country is a part, are significant establishments for advancing provincial collaboration and resolving debates. A significant topic is as yet Sudan’s relationship with South Sudan, which achieved independence in 2011. Notwithstanding times of strain brought on by border conflicts and agreements to share oil money, the two nations have tried to keep communication open and prevent escalation. Although commerce and security interests are shared, disagreements over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and boundary issues in the Al-Fashaga area have soured Sudan’s relationship with Ethiopia. In a same vein, while historical differences over boundary delineation still exist, its relations with Egypt center on collaboration in tackling regional instability and common concerns about the Nile waters.
Relations with the Arab world
With its enrollment in the Arab League, Sudan keeps up with close relations with nations in the Middle East. By and large, the country has relied upon the political and financial help of Gulf countries like Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the Unified Arab Emirates. Aid, investments, and a common interest in regional security are what fuel these partnerships. Following the 2019 revolution, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have given financial support to Sudan throughout its transitional phase, therefore expanding their influence in the nation. In the Arab world, however, Sudan’s foreign policy has sometimes been characterized by changes in alliances. Qatar, for example, backed Sudan under previous President Omar al-Bashir, but ties soured when the transitional administration sided more with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Sudan’s ambition for international reintegration and its changing objectives were further highlighted by its 2020 decision to restore relations with Israel via the Abraham Accords, which were mediated by the US.
Relations with global powers
The dynamics of Sudan with the major countries worldwide have undergone a sea change particularly after the year 2019 when Omar al-Bashir was ousted from power. Al-Bashir was isolated from the western nations due to his allegations of supporting terrorism and the Darfur human rights violations among other issues. As a result of this, Sudan became closer to China and Russia, who offered financial and military assistance. Particularly in Sudan’s oil sector, where Chinese investments and technological know-how have been crucial, China continues to be an important partner. With attempts to forge closer commercial ties and military collaboration, Russia and Sudan also retain a solid partnership. The onset of reforms by Sudan’s transitional administration has attracted the attention of the United States and European countries towards Sudan once again. The delisting of Sudan from the list of State Sponsors of Terrorism by the U.S. which took place in 2020 marked an important watershed. It created room for enhanced investment and assistance from outside the country. Although recent political unrest has made these interactions more difficult, Western countries, especially EU members, have also backed Sudan’s democracy process and peace initiatives.
Multilateral collaboration
Participation in international organizations like the African Union, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and the United Nations (UN) is active in Sudan. Sudan is able to address topics like sustainable development and conflict resolution via these forums. In addition to fighting terrorism and human trafficking, Sudan has participated in regional peacekeeping operations. Sudan’s internal issues, such as the continuous bloodshed in areas like South Kordofan, Darfur, and the Blue Nile, often impact its global diplomacy. International criticism of these problems has impacted Sudan’s reputation abroad and its capacity to bring in foreign investment.
Challenges and opportunities
Sudan encounters a number of challenges in its foreign policy, some of which include the effects of economic sanctions and isolation for decades, economic difficulties, and internal politics. The military rebellion in 2021 caused suspension of assistance from key allies which strained relations with the West, adding to the already existing problems in Sudan’s engagement with the outside world. Notwithstanding these difficulties, Sudan has the chance to improve its reputation abroad. Stronger commercial and diplomatic relations may be fostered because to its advantageous location, abundant natural resources, and democratic transition initiatives. In order to resolve internal problems, revive the economy, and achieve sustainable growth, it will be essential to maintain collaboration with regional and international partners.
You may also find these articles helpful
Exporting goods from Sudan – full guide
Foreign diplomatic relations of Sierra Leone
