SUDAN NEWS ALERT: Globe and Mail - Canadian lobbying firm hired for US$6-million to polish image of Sudan’s military regime

27/6/19: Globe and Mail - Canadian lobbying firm hired for US$6-million to polish image of Sudan’s military regime, by Geoffrey York

 The Globe and Mail reports that Canadian lobbying firm Dickens & Madson signed a $6-million deal to seek government funds and diplomatic recognition for Himedti, US documents show.

 The Sudanese regime is also paying Dickens & Madson to find oil investors, equipment for its security forces, a meeting with US President Trump and improved relations with Russia, Saudi Arabia, the UN, African Union and “possibly other countries and organisations.”

 The contract, signed by Himedti on May 7, said Dickens & Madson will “assist the devising and execution of policies for the beneficial development of [Himedti’s] political aims.”

 The goal is to “assure that [Himedti] attains recognition as the legitimate transitionary leadership of…Sudan and create a supervisory role for [the] council.”

 Dickens & Madson also proposed a Sudanese alliance with one of their former clients, Libyan militia commander Khalifa Haftar, whereby Haftar provides “military help in exchange for funding.”