About the project

The third largest country in Africa, Sudan sits at the intersection–both geographically and culturally–of the Arab and African worlds and, as such, exerts great influence in a turbulent region. In the wake of longtime president Omar al-Bashir’s removal from power in April 2019, and the ensuing turbulence, the country remains pivotal. While governance in Sudan has long been of interest to the United States, in recent years the United States adopted a policy of engagement–rather than isolation–as it seeks to promote positive change in Sudan.

Experts

All content

AfricaSource

Jan 30, 2023

How the international community can help restore Sudan’s democracy

By Sami Abdelhalim Saeed

A number of challenges confront Sudan on its road to democracy. How the country’s leaders and the international community address them could either make or break the dreams of the 2019 revolution.

Africa Democratic Transitions

AfricaSource

Apr 11, 2022

The days of elite deals in Sudan should be over

By Cameron Hudson

It is not too late for Washington to correct the course on Sudan and help stave off another democracy-delaying elite pact.

Africa Politics & Diplomacy

New Atlanticist

Jan 11, 2022

The US risks losing its influence in the Horn of Africa. Here’s how to get it back.

By Gabriel Negatu

Evolving crises in Ethiopia and Sudan have exposed Washington’s lack of a clear and coherent policy for the region.

Democratic Transitions East Africa

New Atlanticist

Jan 3, 2022

Sudan’s democratic transition is over. Now it’s time to support the revolution.

By

The resignation of Sudanese Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok offers new clarity: The United States should take a hard line against the military and back pro-democracy protesters.

Africa Democratic Transitions

New Atlanticist

Oct 29, 2021

Sudan’s coup wasn’t a failure of US diplomacy. It was the dawn of a new era in Africa.

By

In a context where Washington’s voice is diluted amid competing powers vying for influence in Africa, Sudan has emerged as the ultimate battleground.

Africa Democratic Transitions

Fast Thinking

Oct 25, 2021

FAST THINKING: What’s behind the coup in Sudan?

By Atlantic Council

What’s next for Sudan and the global partners in its state-building project? Our experts weigh in.

Crisis Management Politics & Diplomacy

New Atlanticist

Oct 25, 2021

Sudan’s prime minister warned of a ‘failed state’ in 2019. Now he’s under arrest.

Here’s what Abdalla Hamdok told the Atlantic Council during a 2019 visit to Washington.

Africa Civil Society

AfricaSource

Mar 3, 2021

The unintended consequence of Ethiopia’s civil war might be a border war with Sudan

By

Ethiopia is at war with itself—and the international community is struggling to respond. The stakes in Tigray are high and the civilian toll could be considerable. But there’s another scenario, with the potential to exact an even higher toll, that many observers are overlooking: conventional war that could break out at any moment between Sudan and Ethiopia and their many allied proxies.

Africa Conflict

Event Recap

Feb 10, 2021

WFP head offers readout on Horn of Africa trip

By Africa Center

On Wednesday, February 10, the Africa Center had the privilege of welcoming back Gov. David Beasley, executive director of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), to the Atlantic Council platform for a private virtual briefing on his latest trip to the Horn of Africa, where he met with civilian and military leaders in Sudan, South Sudan, and Ethiopia.

Africa Conflict

Event Recap

Feb 10, 2021

Sudan’s outgoing state minister of foreign affairs reflects on regional issues

By Africa Center

On Wednesday, February 10, the Africa Center hosted a private virtual roundtable featuring H.E. Omer Gamereldin Ismail, the outgoing Sudanese state minister of foreign affairs, for a discussion on key regional and bilateral issues for Sudan.

Africa Conflict