Afghan refugees could go to Sudan after Khartoum expresses openness to taking them

Refugees from Afghanistan could go to Sudan, after Khartoum expressed it would accept them on Thursday.

This comes after Uganda two weeks ago became the sole nation in Africa to take in refugees fleeing the Taliban, though they will ultimately be brought to America, according to the Sudan Tribune on Friday.

While Washington and other nations brought over 100,000 people out of Afghanistan during the airlift programme from Kabul airport, most refugees are not yet in the States, with many now waiting in other nations.

The Sudan Tribune reported that the US State Department said Rwanda has likewise expressed it would take those escaping the Taliban, which seized control of Afghanistan last month.

The topic of Afghan refugees was raised at a gathering of Sudan's Security and Defence Council on Thursday.

"Based on [h]umanitarian grounds, the Council agreed in principle [to welcome them on an impermanent basis], while subjecting the matter to further arrangements and procedures," according to Yassin Ibrahim Yassin, the country's defence minister.

Those present talked about welcoming what the Sudan Tribune described as a "limited number" of refugees, Yassin said.

This follows the US' top diplomat, Antony Blinken, the Secretary of State, informing Congress two weeks ago that Sudan was among other nations that had said it would take some of those fleeing the Taliban, the Sudan Tribune reported.

Those brought out of Afghanistan could spend significant periods in other countries before they are taken to America.

This is due to organisational challenges and because Washington likes to perform background checks.

This news may suggest US-Sudanese relations are continuing to improve following its agreement, facilitated by the Donald Trump administration, to normalise relations with Israel.