US, Sudan to exchange ambassadors for first time in decades

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced Wednesday that the U.S. would be exchanging ambassadors with Sudan in a boost to diplomatic relations between the two countries.

“Today, we are pleased to announce that the United States and Sudan have decided to initiate the process of exchanging ambassadors after a 23-year gap,” Pompeo said in a statement.

“This decision is a meaningful step forward in strengthening the U.S.-Sudan bilateral relationship,” Pompeo continued, “particularly as the civilian-led transitional government works to implement the vast reforms under the political agreement and constitutional declaration of August 17, 2019.”

Abdalla Hamdok became Sudan’s prime minister on Aug. 21 and has since “led Sudan’s transitional government, installed a civilian cabinet and made key personnel changes to break with the policies and practices of the previous regime.”

His election came after Sudan’s authoritarian leader of 30 years who oversaw the genocide in Darfur, Omar al-Bashir, was ousted after months of massive protests.