The US Ambassador to Sudan, John Godfrey, has survived a traffic accident in the center of Khartoum.
Immediately upon discharge from the hospital, the Ambassador thanked "everyone for the many kind expressions of concern after the car accident" and the medical team that "took care of us after the accident."
Godfrey confirmed that none of the injuries were serious.
Last August, the State Department assigned the veteran diplomat as the first US ambassador to Sudan, ending a diplomatic estrangement that had been around for about 25 years.
The US listed Sudan as a state sponsor of terrorism in 1993 after accusing its government of harboring al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden and opening its territories to extremist groups worldwide.
Godfrey tweeted: "Thank you to everyone for the many kind expressions of concern after the car accident yesterday. Fortunately, no one from our team was badly hurt, and our understanding is that the driver of the other vehicle was not either."
Later, speculations circulated about the cause of the accident shortly before Iftar, when traffic accidents abound in Sudan.
There were rumors that the incident was orchestrated, claiming it was an attempt to eliminate the man's influence or at least send a message from supporters of the ousted regime and their allies.
The observers linked the recent statements of the Special Representative of the UN Sec-Gen Volker Perthes, who indicated he received death threats and a situation described as experiencing "phobia of the US ambassador" shared by supporters of the regime of ousted President Omar al-Bashir.
Godfrey, considered the most active Ambassador in Khartoum, participated in many social and cultural events aside from his political and diplomatic role within the international Quartet, consisting of the US, Saudi Arabia, Britain, and the UAE.
Aside from the Ambassador's many events, the US Embassy hosted an Iftar with artists, entrepreneurs, and community leaders.
"It was helpful to hear their insights about issues important to the Sudanese people and learn about the ways they contribute to the diverse social fabric of Sudan," said the embassy.
Earlier, the Ambassador and several embassy staff had Iftar at the house of the famous singer, Mayada Gamar Eldin.
"I was pleased to join the family of Mayada Gamar Eldin for my first Ramadan Iftar in Khartoum and appreciated seeing how fasting and prayer bring families and communities together," he said, adding that "I am grateful to Mayada's family for welcoming me and sharing famous Sudanese drinks and dishes and look forward to the opportunities to break the fast with more members of the community."
Also, the Ambassador and embassy staff contributed to a food drive to give staple food to the embassy's neighbors.
Godfrey's social activities began as soon as he assumed his position, and it became usual to see him in public. He showed interest in tea sellers and people from all over the country.
The embassy reported that the diplomat visited banana farms in Blue Nile state, saying it was a "reminder of the huge potential for increased agricultural production that the United States and Sudan can work together to realize when a new civilian-led government is formed."
