According to Senator John Kerry (D-Mass), who is Khartoum this week meeting with Sudanese government officials, the government of Sudan has indicated its willingness to allow the resumption of “some aid” in Darfur.
However, it appears that the 13 international aid organizations expelled in March (following the issuance of an arrest warrant for President Bashir by the ICC), will not be allowed back into the country. Kerry has not yet released a full statement and it is not clear what exactly the Sudanese government is proposing to do.
The senator expressed encouragement, stating that “every member of the government told me they are ready to come to the peace table.” Kerry’s trip follows a visit to Sudan last week by U.S. Special Envoy to Sudan Scott Gration, who struck a similarly conciliatory tone.
While this sounds like a potentially promising development, we echo ENOUGH Project Executive Director John Norris’ caution: “as with all things related to the government of Sudan, we will believe it when we see it.”
We’ll be sure to keep you posted.