Trump removes Sudan from terror list after normalising relations with Israel

Sudan has decided to normalise its relationship with Israel – a move which is seen as the latest in a series of Arab League countries to do so.

The decision has also forced, US President Donald Trump to remove Sudan from the US list of state sponsors of terrorism, unblocking economic aid and investment.

Announcing the normalisation on Saturday, Mr Trump said “at least five more” Arab states wanted a peace deal with Israel.

Trump told Congress that he will formerly rescind Sudan’s designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism.

In a statement, the White House said the move follows Sudan’s agreement to transfer more than $300m (£230m) into an account for terror victims and their families.

READ ALSO: ICC delegation arrives Sudan to discuss prosecution of former President al-Bashir

The Sudan deal comes weeks after similar moves by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Bahrain.

The two Gulf states became the first in the Middle East to recognise Israel in 26 years.

The UAE’s foreign ministry said it welcomed Sudan’s decision, calling it “an important step to boost security and prosperity in the region.”

Sudan and Israel said in a three-way statement with the US that delegations would meet “in the coming weeks”.

“The leaders agreed to the normalisation of relations between Sudan and Israel and to end the state of belligerence between their nations,” it said.

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now