The Obama administration is set to ease sanctions against Sudan, The Associated Press reported Thursday.
The United States imposed sanctions on Sudan in 1997, during the administration of Bill Clinton. The sanctions include a trade embargo and blocking the government’s assets. Additional sanctions were imposed in 2006 for complicity in the violence in Darfur.
Citing officials at the White House, The Associated Press reported that the change in policy is a response to positive actions by the Sudanese government in fighting terrorism, reducing conflict, denying safe haven to South Sudanese rebels and improving humanitarian access to people in need.
The new agency said Washington is expected to announce an easing of sanctions on Friday as part of a five-track engagement process.
Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir is wanted by the International Criminal Court for war crimes and genocide.