Newly-Appointed US Ambassador Supports Civilian-led Democratic Transition in Sudan

The US newly-appointed Ambassador in Sudan, John Godfrey, at the presidential palace in Khartoum (AFP)
The US newly-appointed Ambassador in Sudan, John Godfrey, at the presidential palace in Khartoum (AFP)
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Newly-Appointed US Ambassador Supports Civilian-led Democratic Transition in Sudan

The US newly-appointed Ambassador in Sudan, John Godfrey, at the presidential palace in Khartoum (AFP)
The US newly-appointed Ambassador in Sudan, John Godfrey, at the presidential palace in Khartoum (AFP)

The US newly-appointed Ambassador in Sudan, John Godfrey, began his work with meetings that sparked controversy between Sudanese parties.

The opposition saw a sign of support in Godfrey's meetings with the families of the victims, the resistance committee, and the main opposition alliance Freedom and Change.

Meanwhile, military supporters considered that the mere presentation of the ambassador's credentials to General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan constitutes recognition of the de facto government.

The spokesman for the "Freedom and Change-Central Council", Wajdi Saleh, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the political committee of the coalition met with the Ambassador at his invitation after presenting his credentials.

Godfrey informed the coalition that the US is "steadfast" in its support for democratic transformation, with a civilian-led leadership.

Saleh explained that the delegation considered the invitation an important step to develop relations between the two countries.

The delegation reiterated the vision of the Coalition, asserting that the current crisis was created by the coup, asserting that the only solution is establishing a full civilian-led authority that leads the democratic transition, in a way that guarantees the stability and peace of Sudan.

The US embassy did not mention Godfrey’s meeting with the Forces of Freedom and Change. However, the coalition published a press statement about it. The spokesman also confirmed the meeting to Asharq Al-Awsat.

Ambassador Godfrey presented his credentials last Thursday to the chairman of the Transitional Sovereignty Council; a move seen by the supporters of Burhan as a US of the de facto government.

They argued that former western and US diplomats avoided presenting their credentials to former President Omar al-Bashir.

Before his arrival in Khartoum, Godfrey outlined his policies towards Khartoum in a Facebook post.

He met with prominent members of the Sudanese diaspora and US-based activists to discuss the current situation in Sudan.

“There was agreement on the need to continue advocating for a new government under civilian leadership and to support the Sudanese people in their efforts to carry forward their democratic transition.”

Godfrey reiterated his country's position when he met Foreign Minister-designate Ali al-Sadiq, last week, and stressed that it aims to deepen relations between the United States and the Sudanese people, form a civilian-led government, and move forward with Sudan's transition to democracy.

The Ambassador did not mention the head of the Sovereignty Council by name in several Embassy announcement.

He said in a post at the Embassy’s Facebook page: “I presented my diplomatic credentials. I look forward to strengthening the U.S. relationship with the Sudanese people, supporting their desire to advance their country’s democratic transition under civilian leadership.”

The US ambassador began his official activities in Sudan with a meeting with the families of the martyrs.

“I was honored to meet with the mothers of four martyrs who tragically lost their lives while demonstrating in support of freedom and democracy in Sudan,” he said after the meeting.

“Their message – that the lives of their children cannot have been lost in vain and that Sudan must resume a democratic transition under civilian leadership – was deeply moving.”

Godfrey then met with the Resistance Committee members from around Sudan.

He described them as the “courageous organizers of this grassroots, youth-led movement,” noting that they discussed the challenges they face and their commitment to restoring a path to democracy.

“The United States continues to support their insistence on a new civilian-led government and their pursuit of freedom, peace, and justice,” asserted the Ambassador.

Godfrey's arrival in the country triggered the stagnation that accompanied the US-Saudi initiative for military-civilian dialogue. He met the Saudi ambassador, Ali bin Hassan Jaafar, with the participation of the British ambassador.



Malaysia Calls for Rejection of Forced Palestinian Displacement Plan

The Malaysian Foreign Minister attending the recent OIC Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Makkah (Asharq Al-Awsat).
The Malaysian Foreign Minister attending the recent OIC Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Makkah (Asharq Al-Awsat).
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Malaysia Calls for Rejection of Forced Palestinian Displacement Plan

The Malaysian Foreign Minister attending the recent OIC Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Makkah (Asharq Al-Awsat).
The Malaysian Foreign Minister attending the recent OIC Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Makkah (Asharq Al-Awsat).

Kuala Lumpur has stressed the need for unified condemnation of a plan aimed at annexing Gaza and forcibly displacing the Palestinian people, urging nations with influence over Israel to push for a resolution to the crisis.
In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat on the sidelines of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) foreign ministers’ meeting in Makkah on Friday, Malaysian Foreign Minister Seri Utama Haji Mohamad bin Haji Hasan called on major global powers and institutions to denounce the displacement plan.
Hasan expressed hope that the OIC, in coordination with UN agencies and other international bodies, could advance a comprehensive recovery and reconstruction plan for war-torn countries such as Lebanon and Syria. He also reaffirmed confidence in Saudi Arabia’s pivotal role in driving collective action forward.
Malaysia, he added, will coordinate with like-minded nations to facilitate emergency relief efforts, capacity-building initiatives, and medium- to long-term reconstruction projects, particularly in Gaza and potentially beyond.
The minister further stated that his country remains committed to achieving a just, lasting, and sustainable peace for Palestine. He reiterated Malaysia’s strong support for early recovery, reconstruction, and development in Gaza, in line with Egypt’s proposal at the Extraordinary Arab Summit for Palestine held in Cairo on March 4, 2025.
He noted that Kuala Lumpur urges all OIC members to fully back this initiative, stressing that a permanent solution is essential to establishing an independent Palestinian state. This, he emphasized, should be based on a two-state solution in accordance with international law and UN resolutions, with East Jerusalem as its capital along the pre-1967 borders.
The foreign minister underscored that the establishment of a Palestinian state would bring much-needed peace and stability to the region, particularly in Lebanon and Syria. He also stressed the right of all displaced Palestinians, whether in Egypt, Jordan, or elsewhere, to return to their homeland.
Hasan condemned any call for the forced displacement of Palestinians or the annexation of Gaza, describing it as not only “unrealistic and impractical” but also as an act of “ethnic cleansing and a grave violation of international law.” Such measures, he argued, constitute a direct affront to justice and human rights.
“The proposal has faced near-universal rejection,” he said, “strongly opposed by countries worldwide and, above all, by Arab and Islamic communities. The urgency of this crisis is precisely why the Arab and Islamic world has come together to take decisive action.”
Malaysia, he added, has consistently condemned Israel’s war and its violations against Palestinians, as well as Tel Aviv’s persistent attempts to undermine the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Palestine, Lebanon, and Syria. He reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to multilateralism, respect for international law, and the UN system.
Saudi-Malaysian Relations: Stronger Than Ever
On the state of bilateral ties between Malaysia and Saudi Arabia, Hasan described the relationship as “stronger than ever,” citing regular high-level engagement between the two nations. He noted that he maintains close communication with his Saudi counterpart, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, with both countries recently intensifying cooperation in key sectors such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, infrastructure, and science and technology.
To ensure effective collaboration, Malaysia and Saudi Arabia have established the Saudi-Malaysian Coordination Council (SMCC), co-led by the two foreign ministers. The council is responsible for planning, managing, and overseeing the implementation of strategic initiatives within a structured timeframe, ensuring tangible progress in areas of mutual interest.