Omar al-Bashir
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Mediation helps start a fragile transition in Sudan

The fall of President Omar al-Bashir in Sudan can be seen as the demise of just another African strongman. Yet in a large state divided along complex ethnic, religious and political lines, his personalized tyranny made political stability possible. Now that is gone and an internationally mediated transition agreement is in place. Yet tensions between the civilian opposition, the military and various regional players suggest that the road ahead may not lead to democracy.

Sudan’s president is running out of carrots and sticks
The lifting of United States sanctions on Sudan is a necessary but not sufficient condition for the country’s economic recovery. To achieve that, President Omar al-Bashir must strike a tricky balance between economic reforms, political openness, internal stability and international goodwill. These preconditions, however, may clash with his political ambitions.


The West must consider humane solutions to refugee crisis
Horrific photographs of starving children from the besieged Syrian town of Madaya are the latest defining images from the tormented country. Conflict there has claimed the lives of more than 260,000 people – 55,000 in 2015 alone. However, peace in Syria is unlikely in the near future. The deluge of ...


Sudan makes steady progress in the face of war and increasing isolation
Sudan is risking increasing isolation - despite the country’s potentially valuable resources. Its President, Omar al-Bashir, not only faces war and unrest on several fronts, but he is wanted by the International Criminal Court on genocide charges. Sudan faces a difficult future and it will take more than macroeconomic reforms ...


Tide turns to cooperation over Nile’s precious waters
Fast growing populations, poor resource management, land grabs and higher living standards are increasing pressure on the waters of the Nile. Egypt, which has relied on it for food and to project its power, has fallen below the United Nations water poverty line and its control over the river is ...
