Former White House official and U.S. diplomat Cameron Hudson has warned that Washington and Riyadh could find themselves at odds over Sudan, as Saudi Arabia deepens political and economic ties with authorities in Port Sudan.
Hudson questioned whether Saudi Arabia could eventually conclude that encouraging U.S. President Donald Trump to become more directly involved in Sudan had been a mistake, particularly if Washington pursues policies that conflict with Riyadh’s strategic interests.
He argued that new U.S. political pressure or sanctions imposed in the name of advancing peace could complicate the institutional, commercial, economic and security ties Saudi Arabia is seeking to expand with Sudan.
Hudson’s remarks come as Sudan and Saudi Arabia move to strengthen bilateral relations through an agreement establishing a Supreme Council for Cooperation and Strategic Coordination.
According to Sudan’s Foreign Ministry, the council is intended to provide a broader institutional framework for managing relations between the two countries and expanding coordination across areas of mutual interest.
The mechanism will cover 10 major sectors, including political affairs, trade, investment and economic cooperation, with both sides seeking to align their positions and open new areas for official and commercial partnership.
The development highlights Saudi Arabia’s growing engagement with Sudan at a time when Washington continues to weigh diplomatic and economic measures aimed at influencing the course of the country’s war.
Hudson’s warning suggests that any tougher U.S. approach toward the Port Sudan authorities could create friction with Riyadh if it threatens Saudi economic, security or geopolitical priorities in Sudan.
