The SAF-dominated Sudanese government has reportedly paid $5 million to a U.S.-based lobbying group in an effort to improve its relationship with the United States and enhance its international image.
According to the news portal SudanLeaks, the army-controlled government aimed to influence U.S. policymakers, decision-makers, and international media, using the firm to advance its foreign policy agenda linked to the ongoing Sudanese conflict.
The website reported that a hacking group had infiltrated the Sudanese embassy’s email system in Washington, obtaining and leaking a series of documents, including details of the Sudanese embassy’s contract with the U.S. lobbying firm.
The leaked documents revealed that the Sudanese embassy, represented by advisor Abshir Khidr Mohammed, signed a contract with Ballard Partners, a prominent American lobbying firm, on October 30, 2024.
Under the agreement, Ballard Partners is tasked with representing the SAF-controlled Sudanese government in Washington, working to improve its image and engage with U.S. officials, decision-makers, and NGOs to safeguard Sudan’s interests. The firm is also expected to support political and commercial activities influencing U.S. foreign policy concerning Sudan.
In addition to lobbying, the company’s responsibilities include providing media support by promoting news reports in U.S. outlets that align with Sudan’s political and foreign policy goals. This includes efforts to sway public opinion on the ongoing Sudanese conflict, using media manipulation and discrediting opposing parties whose interests clash with the SAF-controlled government.
Ballard Partners, one of the most influential lobbying firms in the U.S., is known for specializing in governmental affairs. The firm operates in several countries, including Israel, Turkey, and Nigeria, and boasts a team that includes former U.S. Congress members and ambassadors.
Exploiting State Resources for Political Gain
Amid Sudan’s ongoing civil war and near-total political vacuum, the General al-Burhan controlled Sovereignty Council has exploited the country’s resources to serve its own agenda.
This has included excessive arms procurement from Iran, Turkey, and other nations, as well as efforts to secure internal loyalty and concessions from foreign powers. These actions have had devastating consequences for the Sudanese population, who continue to endure harsh conditions.
In one notable incident, the army-controlled government rejected a report from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) warning that famine was spreading across at least five regions of Sudan.
The report also predicted that five additional regions could face food shortages by May 2025. The government’s refusal to acknowledge the report further underscores the prioritization of political interests over the well-being of the Sudanese people.
As Sudanese citizens suffer under these dire conditions, protests erupted among port workers in eastern Sudan. Workers shut down the port of Suakin and set fire to the Osman Digna port to protest months of unpaid wages.
Meanwhile, SAF-controlled government continues to deplete the nation’s resources to maintain its grip on power and ensure the survival of its ruling el
