Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the domestic situation in Sudan.

Eighteen months after the removal of Omar al-Bashir as President, Sudan has begun the process of transitioning to democracy after decades of misrule. In order to deliver the stability required for this transition to succeed, the civilian-led Government of Sudan has committed to important reforms to address Sudan's economic crisis and to a process that aims to bring an end to conflict. There has been progress on economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies in November, but severe challenges remain. Inflation exceeds 230%, the humanitarian situation is worsening, 7.1m face food insecurity and there has been an influx of over 45,000 refugees as a result of the situation in Ethiopia. On securing comprehensive peace, we welcome the signing of the Juba Peace Agreement on 3 October between the Government of Sudan and a number of opposition groups, and continue to urge those outside the agreement to engage in negotiations. In addition the civilian-led government has delivered a number of welcome legal and human rights reforms, including the criminalisation of Female Genital Mutilation and on Freedom of Religion and Belief.

As a leading donor to Sudan, the UK is providing extensive support to Prime Minister Hamdok and his government to help deliver stability and improvements for the lives of ordinary Sudanese. Most significantly, the UK will provide up to £160m in economic assistance this financial year, including £80m to help ensure economic reforms are delivered. We have also helped ensure international support for Sudan through the establishment by the UN Security Council, of the UN Integrated Transition Assistance Mission Sudan (UNITAMS), which is mandated to help with the transition and peace process. The Foreign Secretary spoke with Prime Minister Hamdok on 12 November to discuss regional issues, progress on economic reforms, and UK support for Sudan's economic transition. The Minister for Africa also spoke with Foreign Minister Omer Gamereldin Ismail on 02 December.