Khalid Abdel Rahman: “Nothing is insignificant, nothing is ordinary”

Khalid Abdel Rahman is a fine artist based in Khartoum, Sudan. According to The Arts Council of New Orleans, who hosted last summer the exhibition A Disappearance, he « has a highly distinctive signature style of abstract architectural scenes of middle class neighborhoods in Khartoum. Documenting a middle class that is slowly disappearing due to either working with the government or leaving the country searching for … Continuer de lire Khalid Abdel Rahman: “Nothing is insignificant, nothing is ordinary”

Economic sanctions: the hypocrisy must stop

by Hervé Pugi. For nearly two decades, Sudan has been under US embargo. The only result being to deepen the misery of the 39 million people of what was once Africa’s greatest country. From Bill Clinton and George W. Bush to Barack Obama, the United States has not stopped promoting and perpetuating a sanctions policy that is clearly unproductive. It is perhaps time for Washington … Continuer de lire Economic sanctions: the hypocrisy must stop

Economic Sanctions? Ineffective!

by Hervé Pugi. More and more voices are rallying to condemn the – often wrongful recourse – to economic sanctions. A weapon that can be massively destructive when applied across the board and indefinitely. A tactic that is generally counterproductive and morally questionable. Let’s explain. Economic sanctions are « blunt instruments, often inflicting serious suffering on civilians without affecting the perpetrators ». Just one opinion among others. … Continuer de lire Economic Sanctions? Ineffective!

Economic Sanctions: When the dollar is a weapon

by Hervé Pugi. BNP Paribas, Commerzbank, HSBC, Crédit agricole, ING, Crédit suisse… What’s the common denominator between these banking institutions? They’ve been “nicked” by the US Justice System for violating economic sanctions, in particular in relation to Sudan. When the leading world power exploits it currency, many are forced to pay out. Not to mention the collateral damage… Don’t mention the violation of the embargo … Continuer de lire Economic Sanctions: When the dollar is a weapon

Badreldin Mahmoud Abbas : “We are navigating through all these sanctions…”

by Hervé Pugi. Sanctions, negotiations, institutions… We take a quick look at some of the hot topics currently being tackled by the Minister of Finance and the National Economy, Badreldin Mahmoud Abbas. Scribouille: How are economic sanctions affecting the country’s economy? Badreldin Mahmoud Abbas (B. M. A.): These sanctions are affecting our economy in many ways. We cannot make use of the medium-term programmes offered … Continuer de lire Badreldin Mahmoud Abbas : “We are navigating through all these sanctions…”

Sudan – China: this so valuable partner

by Hervé Pugi. With a future military base in Djibouti, yuan the official currency of Zimbabwe, a 74 billion dollar investment plan for the continent announced last December by president Xi Jinping, it is currently fashionable to condemn China for “hijacking” Africa and for adopting a neo-colonialist attitude. An opinion clearly not shared by Khartoum, a great partner of the “Middle Kingdom”. On September 3, … Continuer de lire Sudan – China: this so valuable partner

Sudan Airways: economic crash

by Hervé Pugi. In July 2015, a Sudan Airways airplane was greeted by water cannons on the tarmac at Abu Dhabi airport. A celebration of the new relationship between Khartoum and the United Arab Emirates. At the offices of the Sudanese national airline company, however, not a time for festivities. A report. In the heavy heat of early spring, at the Sudan Airways workshops, employees … Continuer de lire Sudan Airways: economic crash

Kamal Abd Elsalam: “The opportunity to reach a reconciliation”

by Hervé Pugi. Wished for by President al-Bashir, Sudanese national dialogue perhaps does not yet include unanimity among all the protagonists. However, the openings are very real. It is this in particular that led Popular Congress to join the negotiating table. Meeting with the political affairs officer of this opposition party, Kamal O.A. Abd Elsalam. Faced with the media, the Sudanese – regardless of their … Continuer de lire Kamal Abd Elsalam: “The opportunity to reach a reconciliation”

Umm Dawban, a close-knit community

by Hervé Pugi. One needs only to pull out of Khartoum and drive about 40 kilometers to arrive at a cluster of buildings, like so many in Sudan. And here, several shimmering, aquamarine green mausoleums stand around a simple mosque surrounded by open space. Their facades stand out against a deep blue sky. Under a relentless sun, haunting chants can be heard in sequences of … Continuer de lire Umm Dawban, a close-knit community

Hassan Makki: “we are facing a crisis because we are under siege!”

by Hervé Pugi. Professor Hassan Makki has been head of the research center of African studies at the International University of Africa in Khartoum for several decades. This is where we went to meet him to talk about Islam in Africa and Sudan. Scribouille: Islam and Africa share a long history. Would you say that Islam is a part of African identity? Hassan Makki (H. … Continuer de lire Hassan Makki: “we are facing a crisis because we are under siege!”