SUDAN PERSPECTIVE SUDAN PERSPECTIVE. The Embassy welcomes. Page 1. Page 2. Page 3. Page 4. Page 4. Page 5. Page 6. Page 7. Page 8. Page 8.

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1 SUDAN PERSPECTIVE Embassy SUDAN PERSPECTIVE Contents : Independence of the Republic of Sudan 1956: Page 1 H.E. The Ambassador meets the All Party Parliamentary Group for Sudan and South Sudan : Page 2 The Sudan no longer subject to FATF s Monitoring Process : Page 3 H.E speaks on Sudan Investment Prospects : Page 4 Meeting of State Minister of Finance and Economic Planning with Business Owners : Page 4 Meeting of HE State Minister for Investment with staff : Page 5 The Embassy welcomes Mr. Eltom has been in the Foreign Service for nearly 28 years. He served in various regions in the world where he held positions in Sudan Embassies in the Middle East in Amman-Jordan, Damascus-Syria and Abu-Dhabi-UAE. He then served in Sudan s Embassy in Washington DC where he was selected by the Foreign Ministry to be within the diplomatic staff that reinaugurated the Embassy after a period of closure. Having served in London before as a Deputy Ambassador provided Mr. Eltom with deep insights about different aspects of life in the UK. Prior to being appointed as Sudan s Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Mr. Eltom assumed the role of Head of American Affairs Department at the Foreign Ministry in Sudan. The Embassy sets its work plan for the year 2016 : Page 5 State Minister for Investment speaks at ABCC on Investment prospects in Sudan : Page 6 The National Dialogue : Page 7 South Sudan Watch : Page 8 Barnaba Maryal Visit to Sudan : Page 8 Significant Change of Name : Page 8 Darfur : South Darfur Minister of Health visits London : Page 9 Mo Ibrahim Index.. Time for a Rethink? : Page 10 Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II Welcomes the Sudanese Ambassador The Embassy of the Republic of The Sudan Monthly Newsletter, Issued by Media Office January 2016

2 Page 1 60th Anniversary Independence of the Press Release Republic Of The Sudan On New Year s Day 1956 the Republic of the Sudan was born. It stood on the foundations of many African kingdoms in Nubia, Darfur, Kordofan, Blue Sultanate and South Sudan. The declaration of independence came about peacefully when the first elected parliament of 1953 voted unanimously for complete independence from the Anglo-Egyptian colonial administration. Sixty years on, the Sudan maintains good relations with Britain (which has no sanctions on the Sudan) and Egypt, as well as the Republic of South Sudan which was inaugurated on 9 th July 2011 as a result of an overwhelming vote for secession by the people of South Sudan. This year s celebrations coincided with a very significant milestone : the Inclusive National Dialogue which started on 10 th October last year together with a ceasefire in order to help reach a consensus on the most intractable national issues on the table. Many armed rebel groups were hesitant but have now joined the IND - the latest is the New Justice and Equality Movement (NJEM). Another positive development was the successful sessions of informal talks in Addis Ababa with the SPLM- N, which is fighting the government in the Blue Nile area and South Kordofan. The talks will be resumed with a hope to reach an agreement that will allow the SPLM to join the Inclusive National Dialogue. All this shows an all round political will to consolidate peace and stability. The government has already pledged to implement the recommendations of the Inclusive National Dialogue. Many foreign dignitaries have attended this year s Independence celebrations. The Sudanese Foreign Minister Professor Ibrahim Ghandour welcomed his counterpart, the South Sudanese Foreign Minister Dr. Barnaba Marial Benjamin (who arrived as a representative of H.E. President Silva Kiir Myardit). The visit was an opportunity to address many issues, including implementation of the 2012 Cooperation Agreement, commercial exchanges, oil and future relations. It was declared that South Sudanese pupils in the Sudan, will be exempted from foreign students regulations and treated like Sudanese pupils. The Sudan has celebrated the 60 th anniversary of independence in an atmosphere of confidence because it is a relative oasis of stability and peace in the region, welcoming hundreds of thousands of displaced and refugees. It is a country which looks forward to the future with pride, dignity and optimism. Sudan Embassy Media Office 7th January 2016 Hoisting of the Sudan Independence flag on January ; Sayed Ismail EL Azhari, Prime st, Minister of the Sudan, And Sayed Ahmed Mahjoub, Leader of the opposition.

3 H.E. The Ambassador meets the All Party Parliamentary Group for Sudan and South Sudan Page 2 An important meeting was held at House of Commons between members of the APP Group for the Sudan and South Sudan and the Sudanese Ambassador H.E. Mohamed Abdallah Ali Eltom at the request of the Ambassador. It was chaired by the RH Mark Dorkin (chair of the group) and was attended by The Earl of Sandwich, Lord Alton,Baroness Kinnock,Lord Chidgey and staff member Peter Everington. The chair explained the aims of the Group and the belief in engagement with both the Sudanese Government and the Diaspora Sudanese about human rights, humanitarian access and the general welfare of the Sudanese people. The members have concerns and would like to hear the Ambassador's response. HE the Ambassador thanked the chair and the members and said that he understood their concerns; then went on to respond to their opinions. He began with the government's complete commitment to peace; because fighting has destroyed facilities and affected both the economy and the safety of civilians. Only peace will enable the government to deliver services. The National Dialogue was launched last October and is still in progress, coupled with a ceasefire. Many of those who had doubts have now joined and the presidency has promised implementation of all recommendations. On Humanitarian access, he explained that the Government has accepted the UN plan; but the SPLM-N has not. The government is not to blame. On Darfur, he said that the Doha Documents for Peace in Darfur is not a Sudanese document. It was put together by the mediators and accepted by the Government.JEM did not reject it; but came up with a most unusual condition, namely that no other rebel group be allowed to sign! Now some voices call for renegotiation of the Document. On alleged targeting of South Kordofan civilians by the air force,he said that in fighting collateral damage sometimes happens all over the world. There is no evidence that the government has intentionally attacked civilians. With modern technology proof of that would have been possible. In the end the Chair and HE the Ambassador exchanged compliments. The meeting was also attended by the Minister Plenipotentiary Mohamed Osman Akasha and Dr Khalid AlMubarak. Sudan Embassy Media Office IMAGE

4 The Sudan no longer subject to FATF s Page 3 Monitoring Process Sudan is no longer subject to the on-going global compliance monitoring process by the FATF (Financial Action Task Force), rd the FATF announced on 23 O c t o b e r t h e F A T F c o m m e n d e d S u d a n f o r i m p r o v i n g i t s A n t i -Mo n e y Laundry (AML) and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) system indicating that Sudan has established the legal and regulatory f ramewor k r e q u i r e d t o m e e t i t s commitments under its own action plan so as to tackle the st r a t eg ic weaknesses the country has according to the mutual evaluation with FATF. The FATF further announced that Sudan will continue to work with the MENAFATF (the Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force) to address the remaining challenges faced by Su d a n i n t h i s r e g a r d. T h i s constructive progress would represent a leverage for Sudan in its endeavours to have the unjust unilateral US sanctions lifted. The Financial Action Task Force is an inter-governmental body that was established back in 1989 with the objectives of standard setting and promoting the objectives of formulating laws, regulations and operational procedures to guard against money laundry and to combat the financing of terrorism and other threats t o t h e o p e r a t i o n o f t h e i n t e r n a t i o n a l f i n a n c i a l apparatus. It is noteworthy that the US E m b a s s y i n K h a r t o u m welcomed the removal of Sudan from the FATF s list in a statement issued on th O c t o b e r the FATF commended Sudan for improving its Anti-Money Laundry (AML) and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) system The FATF's decision making body, the FATF Plenary

5 Image of H.E. Mr Mohammed Eltom HE Mr Mohammed Eltom HE shed the light on the mass resources enjoyed by Sudan in various sectors. H.E speaks on Sudan Investment Prospects On November 5 th, 2014 HE Mr Mohammed Eltom, Ambassador of Sudan to e The Ambassador indicated investment capacities in Sudan in different UK, spoke at the Middle East Association s HQ on Sudan s investment op- sectors including oil, minerals, agriculture, education, medical field, portunities and prospects where he delivered a presentation for 31 British busi- tourism and so on. HE further enumerated the geographical and natural elements that make Sudan an ness and trade enterprises. In his presentation, HE shed the light on the attractive destination for investment mass resources enjoyed by Sudan in for foreign investors. The event witnessed a considerable interaction by various sectors. HE also elaborated on the facilitation and easiness of doing the audience that reflected their interest in being aware of the invest- business guaranteed to foreign investors according to the current Investment Law ment atmosphere in Sudan. in Sudan, including the flexibility of companies and businesses registration and carrying all administrative procedures by foreign investors in Sudan through a single-window system. Page 4 Meeting of State Minister of Finance and Economic Planning with Business Owners On October 8 th 2015 the Embassy organized and hosted a meeting for HE State Minister for Finance and National Economy of Sudan, Mr Majdy Yaseen, during his visit to London, with the executive committee of the British Sudanese Business Association ( B SBA ) which represents a wide umbrella for a number of British business owners and entrepreneurs of Sudanese origin and plays an important role in assisting those establish and find their way through the markets in the UK. The Minister elaborated on the Sudanese Government s ongoing efforts to ease and lift the US economic sanctions and embargo against Sudan and to improve the current investment environment in the country. The meeting, which was attended by HE the Ambassador of Sudan, Mr Mohammed Eltom, and a number of the Embassy s staff, witnessed a fruitful discussion on the role of the private sector and business owners associations, such as the BSBA, in improving economies and bridging any existing gaps with governments.

6 Page 5 Meeting of HE State Minister for Investment with Embassy staff State Minister of Investment of Sudan; Mr Osama Faisal The Minister showed flexibility and interest to receive and listen to new suggestions On Thursday 3rd of December 2015, HE State Minister for Investment, Mr. Osama Faisal, and HE Ambassador Eltom held a meeting with the Embassy staff where they discussed the current investment atmosphere in Sudan and the efforts envisioned by the Government to improve it. The discussion held during the meeting included a number of suggestions and points transparently raised by the attendees regarding the steps needed to improve investment in Sudan, and the Minister showed flexibility and interest to receive and listen to new suggestions that would lead to further and continuous improvements in this regard. The Embassy sets its work plan for the year 2016 After a number of meetings and discussions, the Embassy formulated its work plan for the year 2016 which would focus on a number of files handled by the Embassy including political and parliamentary affairs, economic, cultural, consular, media, and administrative affairs. The plan was set upon commonly used standards for planning and plans formulation where it was meant to be SMART plan; Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Results-based and Time-bound.

7 State Minister for Investment speaks at ABCC Page 6 on investment prospects in Sudan On Thursday 3rd December 2015, the Arab British Chamber of Commerce, in partnership and coordination with the Embassy, hosted a round-table discussion in honour of the State Minister of Investment of Sudan, Mr Osama Faisal, with a number of British and European CEOs, entrepreneurs and business representatives of various sectors. and Gas), Food Security (Agricultural products and Gum Arabic), Livestock and Poultry, Services (Banking and financial services), besides other fields. The presentation generated an interesting discussion and drew the audience s attention to the huge potential and investment opportunities that Sudan enjoys. The Minister visited London to participate in the Global African Investment Summit that took place during the 1st and 2nd of December with the participation of six African presidents. The presentation generated an interesting discussion and drew the audience s attention State Minister of Investment, Mr Osama Faisal, and H.E. Mr Mohammed Eltom during the roundtable discussion

8 The National Dialogue Page 7 The Comprehensive National Dialogue, an initiative of President Bashir, started on 10 October 2015 after months of preparations. All political parties were invited including those carrying arms and those wanted by the police. Amnesty was promised. Many opposition prisoners were set free A ceasefire was declared and later extended. Tens of civil society representatives were invited. Foreign observers were free to see for themselves the way deliberations were conducted. As a result of the transparent preparations the international community welcomed the IN Dialogue. Diplomats and parliamentarians visited the Friendship Hall where delegates discussed the Economy, Foreign Relations, Identity, Human Rights and, Media and Democratization. They spoke in different voices; but with goodwill and a genuine desire to listen and consider other points of view. The President made it clear that the recommendations will be implemented. Admittedly, some who lack support among the people, and know that in a democratic setting they are not likely to attract votes, insisted on refusing to participate. The only Major party to refuse participation is the National Umma Party, led By Imam Sadiq Al Mahdi; but the NUP is split into four factions, one of which is actively involved in the CN Dialogue. Gradually, a number of armed rebels who were initially suspicious of dialogue began to realise the necessity of participation. They sent emissaries to see how they would be treated then sent leaders The latest to join is the New Justice and Equality Movement ( NJEM ) a very influential faction of JEM.The door is still open for others to join, even at this late stage. The background to the IN Dialogue is important. In 1965 The Round Table Conference was convened in Khartoum. Opposition leaders arrived from abroad or "surfaced" from hiding. That eventually led to the Addis Ababa Agreement of 1972 that ensured peace until 1983.Another factor is worth mentioning. The situation on the ground has changed for the rebels. Darfur is now in the reconstruction phase. The SPLM-N has lost credibility in the aftermath of its record in governing South Sudan. On the other hand, the government has never advocated a military solution. It is well known that even five or six armed and politicallymotivated rebels can disrupt civilian life in remote provinces. Peace is a priority for the government. That is why the CN Dialogue was initiated, and that is why it is gathering momentum and heading towards success. An Initiative of President Omar Hassan al-bashir for unity and peace between all political parties. A photo of the Sudanese Comprehensive National Dialogue

9 South Sudan Watch Page 8 The Sudan was involved in the African Union's efforts to help end the tragic fighting that flared up in South Sudan in December 2013 and caused horrendous suffering to the civilians.it decimated the economy and resulted in displacement and suffering. Thankfully, the African Union ( IGAD ) efforts have succeeded and an agreement was signed between the warring factions in August last year. Despite some expected setbacks, implementation proceeded and a government has now been put together as a last step in political reconciliation..this is good news for the Sudan too, because we share a very long border with South Sudan and millions of our citizens live along the borders. Trade with South Sudan is important for us. The decrease in the flow of oil from South Sudanese wells is felt by us too. Displacement of South Sudanese citizens puts pressure on our meagre facilities. South Sudan Foreign Minister In this context the visit by the South Sudan Foreign Minister H.E. Barnaba Maryal Benjamin as representative of H.E. Salva Kiir Myardit President of the Republic of South Sudan was not a mere formality to congratulate on the 60th anniversary of Sudan's independence. The top diplomat discussed with his Sudanese Counterpart Professor Ibrahim Ghandour steps to implement the 2012 Cooperation Agreement. He reminded the media that the two countries have to live as friendly neighbours, because neither can move or relocate. The next generations should live in peace and stability. Very wise words that were shared by his host. Significant Change of Name The SPLM ( DC ) led by Dr Lam Akol has decided to drop the acronym SPLM from its name. The reason ( as reported by Sudan Tribune ) is very appropriate. The S in SPLM refers to Sudan whereas the party is now in South Sudan not Sudan."We are South Sudanese, not Sudanese". This underlines the error of many Western reporters who refer to the SPLA as "the South Sudan National Army". It is the army of a political party because the S in the acronym refers to the Sudan, not South Sudan. Keeping the name is a statement of intent that provides the ideological justification for proxy war ( support for SPLM-N). The change of name is a farsighted move that should be welcomed. "We are South Sudanese, not Sudanese"

10 Mo Ibrahim Index.. Time for a Rethink? Page 9 international trade is "unfairly biased against poor countries" Dr Mohamed Ibrahim is a source of pride for us in the Sudan. He is a role model for young people in all developing countries; not only because his governance prize is worth more than the Nobel Prize; but because of the way he earned his billions. He is not an Oligarch who benefited from dubious privatisation. Nor was he involved in the many illicit ways of making money. He had an inventive idea which was not accepted by his employers, so he resigned and applied it himself in an exercise of self confidence and probity. Mo Ibrahim is also significant because he is living proof that, in a level playing field, young people from the Global South will excel and can overtake their European or American counterparts. He is also important for the socially committed way in which he is spending his billions. Many acts of generosity by him are unannounced and not known He is not an Oligarch who benefited from dubious privatisation. Nor was he involved in the many illicit ways of making money. Having said all that, we turn to the Mo Ibrahim Index (which again has given the Sudan a low mark) and find ourselves in uncharted territory. Respect for Dr Ibrahim should not stop us from raising some arguments that call for a return to the drawing board. The concept of African Governance needs qualification. Africa is not an island; it is part of a whole global system and cannot be fairly assessed in isolation from the larger context. The Global Policy Forum, for Example, has estimated that Africa loses $192 Billion each year as a result of "profits made by foreign companies, tax dodging, and the cost of adapting to climate change". The Trade Justice Movement argues that trade liberalization (forced on African countries before local industry and farming are ready to compete) often comes with increased rights for foreign investors. The best example is the fact that powerful and rich countries insist on trade liberalisation and decreased government regulation; but say the opposite when it comes to intellectual rights and patents that benefit their businesses. They press for government intervention (causing astronomical rise in the price of medications). Oxfam has also argued that international trade is "unfairly biased against poor countries" and that the IMF and WB reforms are "painful". It pointed out that heavily subsidised food imports from rich countries harm farmers in developing countries. If we add to that the political factors like US sanctions on the Sudan (which have delayed Dr Hania Fadl's acquisition of spare parts for the breast cancer hospital) and the EU making aid contingent on joining the ICC, we realise that country-specific governance cannot be adequately assessed without taking into consideration the Global Governance. The global governance, forged after the Second World War no longer fits present day conditions. Even Kofi Annan and President Obama have admitted that. After long delays the US Congress has agreed to marginal IMF reform; but the overall picture is the same. Nobody can argue convincingly that Africa is flawless (or that the Sudan is perfect). Criticism of the Mo Ibrahim Index classification stems from the observation that it is too s t a t i s t i c a l l y - c e n t r e d w h i l e Governance is a political concept. Certain indicators are left out in the statistics. No points awarded for our hosting (without xenophobia) hundreds of thousands of displaced p e o p l e f r o m t h e r e g i o n? The Mo Ibrahim Index is uneven. It is unfair to Africa. Is it time for a rethink? Khalid AlMubarak Published in Sudan Vision on: 11/01/2016 Dr Mohamed Ibrahim

11 Darfur : South Darfur Minister of Health visits London Page 10 "There is no rebellion in Darfur now", said Yaqoub al Dumouki when he visited the Embassy on 4 January 2016.The West Darfur Minster of health continued to tell the Sudanese ambassador that there are isolated cases of robbery and banditry; but the rebels who are politically motivated and armed have been chased out of the country by the excellent Rapid Support Force. he rump of JEM is now in South Sudan and the remnants of Minni's group are in Libya. Abdul Wahid Nur has got some followers holed up in Jebel Marra hills. They dare not climb down or threaten peace. The RS Force has got better vehicles and better weapons than the rebels who have only two options: run away for safety or be routed. Coordination between the Army and the RS Force is perfect because the tactics are different. The RS Force uses the same methods employed by rebels: light, quick attacks in small well equipped groups. The main challenge in Darfur now is development not security. In West Darfur there is now a Qatari hospital that is powered by solar energy only. There is a Turkish teaching hospital. Qatar's Aid Society has built a model village called Bulbul South of Nyala. Eight small hospitals have been refurbished.1400 midwives will be trained. Nyala itself has received the first Vice President who inaugurated new electric power generators that provide more than enough supply for the city, where electricity is now better than Khartoum. The main Western motorway has reached Al- Fasher that has opened up the region's products for wider sales. West Darfur is second only to Khartoum state in population density. The governor is Adam alfaki. Yaqoub aldumouki's visit demonstrates the way media misrepresentation has harmed the Sudan and its reputation. Positive developments are not well known in Europe and the USA where some journalists are still under the impression that Darfur is not safe and that it is full of marauding rebels. Sudan Embassy Media Office 13th January 2016 "There is no rebellion in Darfur now" Tel: Contact us: khalid.mustafa@btinternet.com Address: 3 Cleveland Row, St James s Street, London SW1A 1DD Embassy of the Republic of The Sudan Monthly Newsletter Issued by Media Office January 2016