Current news about SUDAN
 

Whats the current news about Sudan ? Any actions by US army expected ?

Hi Derek-Jan

Recent positive news includes: From the BBC - http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/wor...00/1569308.stm

"Sep. 28 - The United Nations has lifted sanctions against Sudan after the United States dropped its objections to the move. Officials in the US State Department have praised Sudan's recent arrests of suspected terrorists believed to have links to Saudi dissident Osama Bin Laden.

'They have worked with us to eliminate the presence of terrorist groups that could threaten American interests' Richard Boucher,
US State Department spokesman."


Per CNN, http://www.cnn.com/2001/WORLD/africa....ap/index.html

"Sudan-U.S. relations, which have improved, particularly since the government here indicated its willingness to join an international coalition against terrorism following the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon."

From the British Foreign Office :
full text at http://www.fco.gov.uk/travel/countryadvice.asp?SS

"Sudan
Last Updated: 21 September 2001
Still Current at: 12 October 2001

Most visits to Khartoum are trouble-free. We advise against all travel to southern Sudan except for those engaged in essential relief work. Visitors are advised to keep in touch with general developments in the Middle East. Any increase in regional tension might affect travel advice.

TERRORIST ATTACKS IN THE US

General: We are not aware of any specific threat to British nationals. Following the terrorist attacks in the US there may be heightened tension and disruption. British nationals are advised to keep a low profile, maintain a high level of vigilance, avoid situations where there might be tension and stay in touch with fast moving events until the situation clarifies. Demonstrations and public events should be avoided.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

The fighting between Israelis and Palestinians has an effect on the whole region. There is a risk of public disturbance throughout the area, in response to events in the Occupied Territories. Travellers need to be aware of this risk, and be alert to news reports, which might trigger such disturbances.

The Wadi Halfa border crossing between Egypt and Sudan is open. Visitors should not attempt to cross any other land borders, whether or not at official crossing points, or to visit the Eritrean and Ethiopian border areas, including Kassala, as they are insecure due to military activity. There is also a risk from landmines.

The security situation in Southern Sudan and the Nuba Mountains remains unstable due to the continuing civil war. However, some towns under Government control can be visited by scheduled flights. Visitors to these areas should consult the British Embassy immediately before travelling. Factional fighting in Western Upper Nile (Unity State) continues. Banditry and tribal clashes continue in Darfur. Only those engaged in essential relief work should visit rural areas of South and West Sudan."

From the US State Department (note that the US has no formal diplomatic ties with Sudan, and has not been recommending its citizens to travel to Sudan for some time, due to its support for terrorist groups). Full text at
http://travel.state.gov/sudan_warning.html

"Sudan - Travel Warning
October 5, 2001
The Department of State warns U.S. citizens against all travel to Sudan. The United States has no permanent diplomatic presence in Sudan because of concerns regarding the government of Sudan's ability to ensure adequately the safety of U.S. officials. While U.S. officials elsewhere in the region make periodic visits to Sudan, their ability to provide consular services, including emergency assistance, is severely limited.

The security situation throughout Sudan is unstable. Sudan's ongoing civil war affects southern, eastern and western areas of the country. The government of Sudan's control over its police and soldiers may be limited. The events of September 11 in the United States and the presence of sectarian and militant groups in Sudan have raised the concern for the security of Americans there.

U.S. citizens in Sudan are urged to consider their personal security situations in determining whether to remain in the country. Those who remain in Sudan should keep a low profile, stay alert to changing developments, and avoid large crowds and other situations in which anti-American sentiments may be expressed."


I think the above from the UK and US governments indicates that there is not much likelihood of US attacks on the country, or the British would be telling their own citizens to get out of the country.

I suggest you note the above links to the UK and US foreign offices, and also check CNN and BBC whenever you can for up to date information on any countries you plan to visit.

Please keep in touch and let us know where you are as you travel through these areas.

----------------------
Susan Johnson
Share the Dream at http://www.horizonsunlimited.com

[This message has been edited by Susan (edited 12 October 2001).]