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

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

In the News

Jan 25, 2021

Hudson quoted in the Financial Times on relations between Sudan and Western countries

By Atlantic Council

Africa East Africa

In the News

Jan 25, 2021

Hudson quoted in The National on the relationship between Sudan and AFRICOM

By Atlantic Council

Africa East Africa

In the News

Jan 10, 2021

Hudson quoted in Bloomberg on US policy in the Horn of Africa

By Atlantic Council

Africa East Africa

In the News

Jan 8, 2021

Hudson quoted in African Business on the normalization of diplomatic ties between Israel and Sudan

By Atlantic Council

Africa East Africa

In the News

Jan 6, 2021

Hudson joins NPR to discuss US support of Sudanese debt relief

By Atlantic Council

Africa Economy & Business

In the News

Jan 6, 2021

Hudson joins PRI’s The World to discuss the impact of debt relief on Sudan’s transitioning government

By Atlantic Council

Africa Economy & Business

In the News

Jan 6, 2021

Hudson quoted in Bloomberg on increased border tensions between Amhara militias and Sudan

By Atlantic Council

Africa Ethiopia