The United States and Sudan have kicked off a new chapter in relations after over a decade of estrangement. The US embassy in Sudan announced the reopening of cultural centers in three regions of the North African country.
Moreover, the US administration has announced its direct support for democratic transition in Sudan. This comes despite Washington’s opposition to the army assuming authority in Sudan and dismissing the transitional civilian government there.
In a Monday press conference at the embassy headquarters in Khartoum, the US cultural liaison officer announced the inauguration of the American Center.
The Center will open branches at the embassy’s headquarters, University of Khartoum, and the city of Port Sudan.
It has a variety of resources all available to the public at no cost. They include a collection of up-to-date books, magazines, and movies and internet and printing services.
“The Center aims to provide cultural services to the Sudanese people. It includes a traditional and digital library that offers practical periodicals and major US newspapers. In addition to showing films, the Center provides lessons and organizes English language seminars,” said the Director of the American Center in Sudan Mujahid Moussa.
He noted that the Center looks to restore full cultural exchange between the US and Sudan.
Washington had boasted a large cultural center in central Khartoum, but it was closed after the deterioration of US-Sudanese relations under the rule of ousted President Omar al-Bashir.
According to experts, the reopening of the Center is an important development in relations between Washington and Khartoum.
They regarded it as a step that paves the way for others, which are expected to support the democratic transition in the country.
Khartoum houses several western and regional cultural centers, including the French Cultural Center, the British Council, and the German Goethe Institute.
