President Donald Trump announced that he intends to lift Sudan’s state sponsor of terrorism designation.
Trump tweeted that once Sudan pays the $335 million settlement for victims of twin bombings against the U.S. Embassies in Tanzania and Kenya in 1998, he will lift the classification. This means that Sudan could receive much-needed debt relief and international loans to help boost its flagging economy.
More than 224 people died, and 4,000 were injured in the double bombing at al-Qaida’s hands, operated by Osama bin Laden at the time. U.S. courts found Sudan guilty of providing essential support to al-Qaeda when Bin Laden was based in the country between 1991 and 1996.
“GREAT news! New government of Sudan, which is making great progress, agreed to pay $335 MILLION to U.S. terror victims and families. Once deposited, I will lift Sudan from the State Sponsors of Terrorism list. At long last, JUSTICE for the American people and BIG step for Sudan!” he tweeted.
Sudan’s Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok tweeted in response.
“Thank you very much to President Trump for his aspiration to cancel Sudan’s designation as a state sponsor of terrorism, a designation that has cost Sudan and seriously harm it. We very much look forward to his formal notification to Congress,” Hamdok writes.
“This tweet and this notification that will be sent are actually the strongest support for the transition towards democracy in Sudan and for the Sudanese people. Today, as we approach the disposal of the heaviest legacy of the dictatorial regime, we affirm once again that the Sudanese people are a peace-loving people and have never been supportive of terrorism.
