On August 1, 2021, USAID Administrator Samantha Power hailed Sudan’s fragile transition to civilian-led democracy during a visit to Khartoum, meeting Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok and other officials to discuss economic revitalization and humanitarian needs, per USAID.
Her five-day trip, starting July 31, aimed to bolster Sudan’s post-Bashir recovery and address crises in Darfur and among Tigray refugees, per.
Economic and Humanitarian Focus
Power emphasized U.S. support to “reinvigorate the economy” and attract foreign investment, following Sudan’s removal from the U.S. state sponsors of terrorism list in December 2020, per. Sudan’s economy faced 378% inflation and 66% poverty rates in 2021, per World Bank.
She announced $56 million in additional U.S. aid, bringing the 2021 total to $377 million, targeting malnutrition and displacement in Darfur, where 2.5 million remain displaced from the 2003–2005 genocide, per,.
Darfur Visit and Reflections
On July 31, Power visited North Darfur, meeting displaced communities and youth leaders to assess USAID programs, per. Reflecting on her 2004 investigation of Darfur’s genocide, which killed 300,000, she noted Sudan’s “positive direction” but fragility, per. The governor of North Darfur highlighted persistent emergency needs alongside a growing development agenda, per.
Tigray Refugee Crisis
Power met Ethiopian refugees in eastern Sudan’s Gedaref, fleeing Tigray’s conflict since November 2020, which displaced 60,000 into Sudan, per UNHCR.
She pressed Ethiopia for unhindered humanitarian access, as only 100 aid trucks reached Tigray since July 2021, meeting under 5% of needs, per. Reports of sexual violence and atrocities underscored the urgency, per.
Critical Analysis
While Power’s visit signaled U.S. commitment, Sudan’s transition faced hurdles: a 2021 coup later dissolved the civilian government, per. U.S. aid, though substantial, may struggle against Sudan’s entrenched corruption and 15% GDP debt servicing, per IMF.
The focus on economic reform risks overshadowing immediate needs, with 25% of Sudanese facing acute hunger, per WFP. Power’s Tigray advocacy met resistance, as Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed rebuffed her meeting request, per, suggesting limited U.S. leverage.
Path Forward
Sudan needs sustained aid to address Darfur’s malnutrition and support 1.1 million refugees, including Tigrayans, per UNHCR. Power’s push for investment must align with anti-corruption measures to ensure impact, per Transparency International.
Diplomatic pressure on Ethiopia, backed by the U.S. Troika, is critical to open Tigray aid routes, per. Sudan’s democratic aspirations hinge on balancing immediate relief with structural reforms to prevent further instability.
