Bipartisan Congressional Letter Urges Corruption and Human Rights Benchmarks for U.S.-Sudan Policy

March 28, 2018 – Today, in a bipartisan letter to U.S. Deputy Secretary of State John J. Sullivan, 57 members of Congress pushed back against normalizing relations with a Sudanese regime that is still run by a leader wanted for genocide and crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court.

The letter states “We are gravely concerned about any U.S. policy that might result in further normalizing relations with a regime that routinely violates its citizens’ basic human rights, continues to support extremists and extremist groups, represses religious minorities, and steals the nation’s wealth while most of its people live in poverty.”

The letter also urges “a policy that is informed by the history and context of Sudan, insists on foundational change, and is backed by strong financial pressure and real incentives.”

Ian Schwab, Director of Advocacy and Impact Strategy at the Enough Project, said: “Congress has a strong, bipartisan history of working together to push for a Sudan policy that understands the nature of the regime and the need for foundational change in the governance of the country. Congressional leaders have demonstrated that they will raise their voices to ensure the United States is holding true to its values and refusing to normalize relations with a country that continues to suppress religious minorities, jail political opponents, and obstruct humanitarian assistance.”

Omer Ismail, Senior Policy Advisor at the Enough Project, said: “The Sudanese regime continues to support extremists and terrorize its population. At a time of grave economic instability in Sudan brought on by the regime's rampant corruption and security expenditures, I applaud congressional leaders for continuing to advocate for a Sudan that respects all of its people.”

Click here to read the full letter.

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The Enough Project supports peace and an end to mass atrocities in Africa’s deadliest conflict zones. Together with its investigative initiative The Sentry, Enough counters armed groups, violent kleptocratic regimes, and their commercial partners that are sustained and enriched by corruption, criminal activity, and the trafficking of natural resources. By helping to create consequences for the major perpetrators and facilitators of atrocities and corruption, Enough seeks to build leverage in support of peace and good governance. Enough conducts research in conflict zones, engages governments and the private sector on potential policy solutions, and mobilizes public campaigns focused on peace, human rights, and breaking the links between war and illicit profit. Learn more – and join us – at www.EnoughProject.org.