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 by a democratic revolution, and the ensuing turbulence, the country remains pivotal. In a region where numerous global and regional powers have sought to be influential, in recent years the United States has adopted a policy of engagement–rather than isolation–as it seeks to promote positive change in Sudan.

The Atlantic Council is engaged in a longstanding effort to raise the profile of Sudan. For nearly 10 years, via a Sudan Task Force, the Africa Center has focused its work with the goal of acknowledging Sudan’s geo-strategic importance. This work includes visits to the country, research reports by our experts, hosting Sudanese voices at the Council, and providing recommendations for policy makers in Washington and beyond.

See the work of the Sudan Task Force here:

Voices of Sudan

Ambassador Mohamed Abdalla Idris Mohamed in conversation with Amb. Rama Yade
Hajooj Kuka, Founder of Refugee Club and the Director of Beats of the Antonov, in conversation with Amb. Rama Yade
Mohamed Abubakr, President of The African Middle Eastern Leadership Project (AMEL), in conversation with Amb. Rama Yade

Featured events

Featured commentary & analysis

Featured reports & research

All content

AfricaSource

Feb 22, 2024

What the Ethiopia-Somaliland deal means for Washington’s strategy in the Red Sea

By Maxwell Webb

Developments around the deal could bring simmering conflicts to a boil—or they could potentially advance peace and prosperity in the region.

Eritrea Ethiopia

AfricaSource

May 1, 2023

To stop the fighting in Sudan, take away the generals’ money

By Ernst Jan “EJ” Hogendoorn

It is not enough to simply call for a ceasefire and a return to negotiations because those outcomes could reestablish the fraught balance of power.

Africa Arms Control

AfricaSource

Apr 12, 2023

As Sudan’s transition to democracy accelerates, reforming the security forces must be a top priority

By Benjamin Mossberg

The Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces must be governed by the rule of law and work to protect democracy and human rights in Sudan.

Africa Conflict

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