August 29, 2015
Khartoum, Sudan – My delegation and I completed our visit to Sudan on August 29. We engaged the Government of Sudan on the full range of issues that frame our bilateral relationship. My visit also included constructive discussions with civil society representatives, business leaders, political parties, humanitarian actors, and other Sudanese citizens. Discussions addressed the need for an open national political dialogue to address the root causes of Sudan’s persistent internal conflicts, and to realize more inclusive governance arrangements. The discussions also covered economic issues such as Sudan’s outstanding debt, sanctions, and ways of utilizing the important sanctions exemptions that have been granted for the benefit of the Sudanese people. We exchanged views on security concerns, protection of civilians, and improving humanitarian access to conflict-affected populations. Finally, we also had constructive discussions on important regional issues, including South Sudan and Libya. We welcomed the Government of Sudan’s stated intent to implement a two-month cessation of hostilities, while encouraging the government to extend the timeframe and couple it with a negotiated and mutually acceptable mechanism for humanitarian access in order to develop confidence in, and an environment conducive to, an inclusive political dialogue process. We will likewise engage opposition actors on these critical issues. I was regrettably unable to make my planned visit to Darfur, but look forward to re-scheduling that visit soon. Instead we engaged with leaders of the United Nations-African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID), humanitarian actors, and other Darfuri officials on issues of security, inter-communal conflict, and crime, as well as delivery of life-saving assistance, and reconciliation efforts. I hope to return to Sudan to advance our dialogue on issues of mutual interest and concern
