Days after Sudan was formally removed from the United States list of states sponsoring terrorism, The US Congress has passed a bill that restores Sudan’s legal immunity.
The legislation was endorsed by both chambers of the U.S. Congress and was released as part of the US government funding bill and sent to President Donald Trump to sign into law.
Legal immunity status means the vast North African country can now unlock opportunities for foreign businesses to invest in Sudan, much needed by the country which is going through economic turmoil with its currency in constant devaluation and rising inflation that is affecting the living standards of many families.
The decision by the US congress to approve restoring sovereign immunity was met with jubilation by authorities of the former terror sponsor which is now back into the international fold and opens the door for economic aid.
The legislation provides that the U.S. will disburse $111 million to pay off part of Sudan’s bilateral debt, and $120 to help pay off its debt to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Also, the legislation provides to support Sudan with $700 million until September 2022.
Meanwhile, the legislation still allows existing lawsuits filed by families of the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks to move forward, but shields Sudan from further litigation.
