Canada-Sudan relations
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Bilateral relations
Canada established diplomatic relations with the Republic of Sudan in 1961 and Canada’s Office in Khartoum (2000) was upgraded to an Embassy in 2004. Our diplomatic representation was at the Chargé d’Affaires level until February 16, 2021, when the first resident Canadian Ambassador to Sudan presented his letters of credence. In Canada, Sudan maintains an Embassy in Ottawa with a diplomatic representation at the Chargé d’Affaires level.
Trade relations
Canada does not currently have trade agreements in place with Sudan and has previously had a modest trade relationship, with total two-way merchandise trade reaching $34.5 million in 2022, consisting of $34 million in exports from Canada and $379,500 in imports from Sudan.
Canada implements sanctions imposed by the United Nations Security Council with respect to Sudan. Subject to certain exceptions, the measures implemented in the Regulations Implementing the United Nations Resolutions on Sudan include an arms embargo against Sudan, as well as an asset freeze and travel ban against designated persons. Canadian companies active in or interested in doing business in Sudan must ensure they act in accordance with these regulations.
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International assistance
Canada provides international assistance in Sudan through development, humanitarian and peace and security programs. Guided by Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy, Canada’s development assistance in Sudan focuses on improving access to education, strengthening sexual and reproductive health and rights, supporting women’s economic empowerment, and reinforcing the resilience of the poorest and most marginalized.
In 2021-2022, Canada’s bilateral international assistance totalled approximately $16M and was delivered through multilateral organizations active in Sudan and Canadian civil society partners working with local non-governmental organizations.
Canada’s gender-responsive humanitarian assistance helps to address the lifesaving needs of crisis-affected populations, with a particular focus on the needs of women and girls. To date in 2023, Canada has allocated over $165 million in humanitarian assistance funding to trusted humanitarian partners in Sudan and neighbouring countries impacted by the current crisis. This flexible humanitarian assistance funding supports partners in addressing needs as they emerge, such as emergency food and nutrition assistance, health services and access to clean water.
Canada is also supporting peace and security activities to help mitigate the spread of violence and provide protection for human rights defenders. Canada continues to assess opportunities to support the Sudanese people in their ambitions to transition Sudan to a civilian-led democracy.
Canada continues to monitor the impact of the growing crisis in Sudan and determining how to best respond to emerging needs.
Operations
Due to the ongoing security situation, the Embassy of Canada to Sudan, in Khartoum, has temporarily suspended operations.
On April 15, 2023, fighting broke out in Khartoum between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces. The fighting has spread to other parts of Sudan – including the Darfur Blue Nile, and Kordofan regions – and the security situation continues to be volatile. The Government of Canada continues to condemn the ongoing violence and urges all parties to engage in mediation efforts supported by African partners.
Since the military coup of October 2021, Canada has worked with partners to promote the resumption of a civilian-led transition through intra-Sudanese dialogue, in order to protect and promote democracy, human rights and economic development. Canada has been particularly active in supporting and promoting the inclusion of women’s voices in the dialogue process.
Through financial contributions to UN peacekeeping operations such as the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) and the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA), Canada contributes to the protection of civilians affected by conflict, the improvement of the security situation for the Sudanese people, and enhancement of peace and stability in the Abyei region.
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