SUDAN INSIGHT ALERT: Foreign Policy - Seeking to Secure Power, Sudan’s Military Ruler Hires Lobbying Help

28/6/19: Foreign Policy - Seeking to Secure Power, Sudan’s Military Ruler Hires Lobbying Help, by Justin Lynch and Robbie Gramer

 Foreign Policy’s feature piece highlights the military’s public relations campaign to “shore up their legitimacy and control.”

 The military’s lobbying contract with Canadian firm Dickens & Madson reflects Himedti’s “shadowy behind-the-scenes push…to consolidate control,” and “illustrates how many foreign governments have worked to stake claims in Sudan.”

 The TMC seeks Dickens & Madson’s help to legitimize Himedti by securing him a meeting with US President Trump and Middle-East governments,  along with other priorities such as securing military training and equipment, infrastructure and food security support from Russia, and an alliance with Libyan general Khalifa Haftar.

 A speech at Himedti’s rally last week by former US congressman-turned-lobbyist James Moran helped “[reinforce] the perception…that [Himedti] is backed by the international community,” as it is the only information that many Sudanese have regarding the international community’s stance toward [Himedti],” amid the internet blackout.