The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma welcomes the lifting of economic sanctions by the United States of America on the Republic of Sudan. 

She acknowledges the importance of this development which will allow Sudan to reengage in international trade and end the suffering of its people.

Furthermore, the Chairperson welcomes the commencement of discussions on the modalities for the lifting of the sanctions, especially after several appeals from the AU, particularly the Declaration of the AU Heads of States and Government at their 26th Ordinary Session of 30-31 January 2016. 

The Chairperson expresses her appreciation to President Barack Obama for this constructive decision and hopes that the in-coming administration will consider permanent revocation of the sanctions in

Executive Orders 13067 and 13412 and further work towards granting debt relief to the Republic of Sudan, so that the country can begin a new chapter of economic reconstruction and prosperity.

She seizes this opportunity to strongly encourage the Government and the armed movements to urgently return to the negotiation table with a more conciliatory approach towards resolving their political differences in the interest of the people of Sudan. In this regard, she calls on all parties to cooperate fully with the efforts of the AU High Level Implementation Panel (AUHIP) to reach a Cessation of Hostilities Agreement and a Permanent Ceasefire and participate in an inclusive political process, which will guarantee the Sudanese people the long awaited peace.