Transition to New Sudan Semi-Annual Report - October 2020 - March 2021

The program focused on three objectives: enabling the civilian-led government to demonstrate progress on key transition processes, strengthening civic engagement, and expanding independent media. From October 2020 to March 2021, the TNS program designed and implemented 34 activities across the three objectives, utilizing various mechanisms, including grants, technical assistance, and direct distribution of goods and services. The program worked closely with key government entities, including the Prime Minister's Office and 12 other ministries, to develop activities valued at approximately $5 million in technical assistance and equipment. The program's support focused on technical assistance, skills and needs assessments, and essential commodities. TNS also leveraged OTI's fast and flexible programming principles to provide rapid response to unforeseen challenges, such as providing emergency sandbag deliveries during historic floods in 2020 and COVID-19 testing kit supplies during Sudan's second wave in January 2021. Sudan continued its transition from 30 years of autocratic rule under the previous regime to an increasingly democratic state. The Civilian Lead Transitional Government (CLTG) focused on consolidating democratic gains on the political side while prioritizing citizen safety. Key developments during this reporting period included the signing of the Juba Peace Agreement (JPA) and the formation of the Transitional Partner's Council (TPC). The JPA was signed on October 3, 2020, between the CLTG and the Sudan Revolutionary Front (SRF), ending a decades-long war in Sudan. The agreement gave the SRF leadership seats in the Sovereign Council and the Minister's Cabinet. Despite the signing of the JPA, two major rebel movements, the Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North and the Sudan Liberation Movement, did not sign the agreement. The formation of the TPC was stipulated in the amended constitutional document, but it triggered a dispute between the transitional parties. The TPC was given a broad mandate to direct the transition and sweeping powers to implement its decisions. A compromise was reached, including more members of the Forces for Freedom and Change in the TPC, but the powers of the TPC remain unchanged. The Prime Minister announced the formation of the new transitional government in accordance with the JPA on February 8, 2021. The cabinet reshuffle replaced all but four ministers and created six new ministries. The majority of civil society and print media welcomed the changes but criticized the poor representation of women and youth in the new government. One of the most critical developments in Sudan's economic affairs was the country's removal from the State Sponsors of Terrorism List (SSTL). This step was a catalyst for increased economic reforms and helped Sudan rejoin the international community after three decades of economic and political isolation. The lifting of Sudan from the SSTL was seen as a huge milestone in relations between Sudan and the U.S. The United States government announced Sudan's official removal from the SSTL on December 14, 2020. This event marked a huge milestone in relations between Sudan and the U.S. The reinstatement of Sudan's sovereign immunity was also passed by the United States Congress on December 21, 2020. The restoration of Sudan's legal immunity opens doors for increased foreign trade and investment by reducing the financial risks of attachment to Sudan's assets.