Sudan says lack of basic services due to US sanctions

October 10, 2009 (KHARTOUM) — The lack or deterioration of basic services for citizens is a direct result of US sanctions, a Sudanese official said this week. The Sudanese state Minister for Information and Communication Kamal Obeid speaking at the National Assembly acknowledged that the executive bodies are performing poorly but said that this an outcome of embargo imposed on his country. Parliament members questioned the recent power blackouts that plagued the capital as well as fleeing investors and dirty streets filled with water swamps particularly after heavy rains. Obeid defending the government said that Sudan “is not in a normal condition to discuss the executive branch given that the country is facing exceptional conditions and an interim period known to be frail”. He implicitly lashed out at Sudan People Liberation Movement (SPLM) Secretary General saying that the parliament failed to question those who called on Washington during a testimony to US lawmakers in August not to lift sanctions. The Sudanese official added that it has been difficult to obtain spare parts for vital institutions citing example for water pumps. He said that that power blackouts are due to turbines at the Merowe dam being deployed prematurely disclosing that a tenth station will enter the service. Sudan has consistently complained that US sanctions prevent obtaining basic items needed for humanitarian reasons including air transportation. The US however says that it grants exceptions on a case by case basis and upon request from Khartoum. The US is mulling easing comprehensive sanctions imposed since 1997 but no plans has been made yet.