Canada-Sudan relations
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Operations
On April 15, 2023, fighting broke out in Khartoum between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces. Due to the ongoing security situation, the Embassy of Canada to Sudan, in Khartoum, has temporarily suspended operations.
For more information, please see the Canada and Sudan and Canada’s response to the crisis in Sudan webpages.
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 $72.3 million in 2023, consisting of $72.0 million in exports from Canada (mostly wheat) and $0.3 million in imports from Sudan.
Sanctions
Canada implements sanctions imposed by the United Nations Security Council with respect to Sudan. Subject to certain exceptions, the measures implemented under 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 (individuals and entities). Canadian companies active in or interested in doing business in Sudan must ensure they act in accordance with these regulations.
Building on these measures, on April 15, 2024, under the Special Economic Measures Act in response to the ongoing conflict. Canada imposed sanctions on 6 persons (individuals and entities) for directly or indirectly undermining peace, security, and stability in Sudan. Persons in Canada and Canadians outside Canada are now prohibited from dealing with any listed persons. The listed individuals are also rendered inadmissible to Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
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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 2022-23, Canada’s bilateral international assistance totalled approximately $49.43 million and was delivered through multilateral organizations active in Sudan and Canadian civil society partners working with local non鈥慻overnmental organizations. The program currently focuses on advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), including preventing and responding to sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), improving access to education, and strengthening the resilience of the poorest and most marginalized, particularly women and girls. Canada’s current bilateral programming in Sudan includes projects in these areas, some of which are part of the $31.5M in development assistance funding .
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. In 2023, Canada provided over $170 million in humanitarian assistance funding to experienced humanitarian partners in Sudan and in neighbouring countries welcoming Sudanese refugees and other displaced persons from Sudan. To date in 2024, Canada has to help continue meeting the needs of vulnerable people in the region. This includes support for emergency food and nutrition assistance, clean water, hygiene, sanitation, health and protection, in addition to other essential services.
Prior to the conflict, through its peace and security programming, Canada 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. Since the conflict began, Canada has continued this work and been particularly active in supporting and promoting the inclusion of civilian voices in ongoing mediation efforts related to the current conflict.
Through financial contributions to 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.
Canada continues to monitor the impact of the growing crisis in Sudan and determining how to best respond to emerging needs.
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