SUDAN INSIGHT ALERT: BBC - Sudan's revolutionaries pin hopes on PM Abdalla Hamdok

27/8/19: BBC - Sudan's revolutionaries pin hopes on PM Abdalla Hamdok, by Alex de Waal

 Sudan expert Alex de Waal argues that new prime minister Hamdok will need “all of his skills, a lot of goodwill, and a dose of good luck,” to deliver the goals of the Sudanese revolution.

To rebuild Sudan’s economy, de Waal suggests that Saudi Arabia and the UAE will need to support a coordinated plan for restoring Sudan to the good graces of the IMF and World Bank, with the US needing to end Sudan’s terror-sponsor listing to regain Sudanese access to the dollar-based international financial system.

 Nonetheless, de Waal highlights fears that Himedti may block reforms that unravel his business empire. Imposing budget cuts on the generals is a “perilous assignment,” and holding them accountable for crimes “may upset the fragile power-sharing deal.”

 However, de Waal notes that Hamdok’s premiership means that rebel leaders have their best chance to secure peace deals.