Sudan
Kenya continues to face political instability exacerbated by the public debt crisis. Economically, the government seems close to finalizing an agreement with the United Arab Emirates for a $1.5 billion loan, with an expected interest rate of around 8.2%, lower than the current yields on Kenyan sovereign bonds. However, the agreement's details may change as negotiations progress, and both parties have remained silent on the specifics. Nairobi’s decision to seek support from the UAE is also linked to delays from the International Monetary Fund, which has yet to release around $600 million in aid. The IMF postponed this funding, expressing doubts about recent government measures amid fears of further public protests. This situation is part of a complex financial landscape in which Kenya struggles to access funding, especially after its sovereign bonds were downgraded to "junk" by major rating agencies. An IMF spokesperson stated, “Discussions are ongoing regarding the policies and reforms the Kenyan authorities are considering to address the current economic and fiscal challenges,” without commenting on Kenya’s negotiations with specific bilateral creditors.
Meanwhile, Kenya's political scene was shaken by the impeachment case of Vice President Rigathi Gachagua. After Gachagua’s removal by Parliament, a Kenyan court nullified the decree appointing his successor, Interior Secretary Kithure Kindiki, following an appeal against the removal. Gachagua also claimed to have survived two poisoning attempts: one on August 30, when undercover agents allegedly tried to taint his food, and another on September 3, in an incident that involved the Kikuyu council of elders. He further lamented the withdrawal of his personal security and the security detail at his residences, accusing President William Ruto of ordering the removal. Gachagua emphasized the political nature of the charges against him (corruption and serious constitutional violations), claiming that the impeachment was executed right after the assassination attempts. President Ruto has not commented on these allegations, likely to avoid compromising sensitive ongoing negotiations with the opposition regarding a possible cabinet reshuffle.
On a regional level, significant developments in the security sector have emerged. In South Sudan, President Salva Kiir replaced the head of the intelligence services, General Akol Koor Kuc, a prominent and controversial figure within his circle. Kuc, who led the National Security Service (NSS) since the country's independence in 2011, has been appointed governor of Warrap State, one of South Sudan’s most unstable areas and Kiir’s birthplace. The leadership of the NSS has been transferred to General Akec Tong Aleu, previously serving in the Ministry of Defense. The sudden removal of Kuc has sparked speculation about the reasons behind it: some believe it may be due to internal power struggles, while others suggest Kuc may be preparing to succeed the 73-year-old Kiir, whose health has been the subject of considerable speculation.
Meanwhile, Ethiopia and the United Kingdom’s intelligence agencies announced plans to strengthen their cooperation on security matters, with a focus on regional stability and counter-terrorism efforts. The statement was issued by Ethiopia's National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) following a visit to Addis Ababa by Richard Peter Moore, director of MI6, leading a high-level delegation. Discussions focused on regional and international issues, including Red Sea security, terrorism threats, and human trafficking. NISS Deputy Director Sisay Tola condemned destabilizing propaganda attempts related to Ethiopia’s initiative for Red Sea access and emphasized that the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) should serve as a catalyst for cooperation rather than fueling conflict. Moore’s visit aligns with London’s plan to reassert its influence in the region: the Labour government aims to strengthen navigation security in the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, in response to Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, through active cooperation with African coastal states.
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As the clashes continue in Sudan, it is increasingly necessary to find a solution for the sake of the People. An analysis by Akinyi Omondi
While clashes between SAF and RSF continue, internally displaced persons are on the rise, as well as international migrants and people in need of food, water and medicine. Other sources of concern are the role of Moscow and the ever-present threat of terrorism.
The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam is a strategic infrastructure for the future of Ethiopia, which however represents an element of tension between the countries located along the river Nile.
| Head of state | Abdel Fattah al-Burhan (Chairman of the Transitional Sovereignty Council) |
| Head of Government | Osman Hussein |
| Institutional Form | Federal provisional government |
| Capital | Khartoum |
| Legislative Power | Transitional Legislative Council |
| Judicial Power | National Supreme Court (70 judges divided in panels of 3 judges); Constitutional Court (9 judges) |
| Ambassador to Italy | Sayed Altayeb Ahmed |
| Total Area kmq | 1,886,068 km2 |
| Land | 1.731.671 km2 |
| Weather | Rainy in the south, dry in the central and northern part of the country. Sudan's rainy season lasts for about four months (June to September) in the north, and up to six months (May to October) in the south |
| Natural resources | oil, land and hydroelectric energy |
| Economic summary | The Sudanese economy suffers prolonged social conflict and the loss of 3/4 of its oil production due to the secession of South Sudan; the country struggles to stabilise its economy and offse the loss of foreign exchange earnings. It’s the world’s largest exporter of gum arabic, and it produces 75-80% of the world’s total production; about 80% of workforce is employed in agriculture. |
| GDP | $34.33 billion (Dec. 2021) |
| Pro-capite GDP (Purchasing power parity) | $3839 (Dec. 2021) |
| Exports | $4.03 billion (2020) |
| Export partner | UAE 46.1%, China 19%, India 6.3%, Saudi Arabia 5.98%, Italy 4.06% Egypt 3.55% (2020) |
| Imports | $8.58 billion (2020) |
| Import partner | China 29.3%, UAE 13.3%, India 12.2%, Saudi Arabia 7.51%, Egypt 5.51%, Russia 4.14% (2020) |
| Trade With Italy | $ 300 million (2021) |
| Population | 47.958.856 (2022) |
| Population Growth | 2,55% (2022 est.) |
| Ethnicities | Sudanese Arab 70%, Beja 5.5%, Nuba 2.5%, Fur 2%, Egyptian 1.2%, Fulani 0.5%, other 18.34% |
| Languages | Arabic and English (official), Nubian, Ta Bedawie, Fur |
| Religions | Sunni Islam, small Christian minority |
| Urbanization | 36% (2022) |
| Literacy | 60.7% |
Sudan, whose independence dates back to 1956, is a state located in Northeastern Africa. The country borders to the north with Egypt and Libya, to the west with Chad, to the southwest with the Central African Republic, to the south with South Sudan, to the southeast with Ethiopia and to the east with Eritrea and the Red Sea. The population is about 48 million and the official languages are Arabic and English.
Once the largest country in Africa, after 2011 Sudan had to give up a big portion of its territory to the newly formed state of South Sudan. The secession of South Sudan deprived the country of three-quarters of its oil production, and the economy is experiencing difficulties.
Although trade volumes between Italy and Sudan remain low, in the last few years, Italy has had a highly positive trade balance and ranks second among the country’s main European trade partners, after Germany. As the economy is still largely focused on farming, agriculture is the sector in which there are the strongest relations between the two countries. Following the removal of US sanctions, many Italian companies have started seeing Sudan as a potentially interesting market.
Italy also contributes to various humanitarian initiatives, especially in the eastern regions of the country.
