Sudan has paid the US government a sum of $335 million as compensation for the loss of life of victims who perished in the 1998 Nairobi and Dar es Salaam US Embassy bombings.
On Wednesday Secretary of State Anthony Blinken issued a statement saying “We are pleased to announce that the United States received the $335 million provided by Sudan to compensate victims of the 1998 bombings of the US Embassies in Kenya and Tanzania and the USS Cole in 2000 as well as the 2008 killing of USAID employee John Granville.”
Blinken said that it was a long process before all this was achieved. He expressed optimism in Sudan forging a new chapter with the US.
“With this challenging process behind us, U.S.-Sudan relations can start a new chapter.”
“We look forward to expanding our bilateral relationship and to continuing our support for the efforts of the civilian-led transitional government to deliver freedom, peace and justice to the Sudanese people,” Blinked stated.
Ten years ago, an American court ruled that Sudan pay $10 billion in compensation for damages caused and loss of 224 lives. The payment was also for the injuries that 5,000 people sustained.
The US Treasury Department advanced Sudan with $1.15 billion worth of loans covering short term needs.
Janet Yellen, the Treasury Secretary lauded Sudan saying this is a good step for Sudan as it restores good relations with the US
“Sudan’s civilian-led transitional government deserves credit for making challenging but necessary reforms to restore its social contract with the Sudanese people,” she said.
