SUDAN ISSUES PRESIDENTIAL DECREE No. 1 OF 2025 ON COUNTER-TERRORISM.
BY NJOKI KARANJA
Khartoum.
The Government of the Republic of Sudan has formally adopted a landmark legal instrument to strengthen its fight against terrorism. On [date of issuing] the presidency issued Decree No. 1 of 2025 on the Combating of Terrorism, which marks a major step in revising the national legal and institutional framework for anti-terrorism efforts.
Key elements of the decree
The decree establishes a renewed legal basis for defining acts of terrorism, prescribing preventive measures, and locking in enforcement mechanisms under Sudanese law.
It reinforces the role of national security, intelligence and law-enforcement organs to coordinate in identifying, disrupting and prosecuting terrorist networks.
The legislation sets out enhanced powers for seizure of assets, interruption of financing, and control of movement of persons suspected of involvement in terrorism.
It also emphasizes protection of public order and state-institutions within the border context, including cross-border threats, and safeguards for maintaining national stability.
The decree envisages institutional supervision, monitoring and reporting obligations to ensure compliance with the new law.
Why this matters
With the adoption of Decree No. 1 of 2025, Sudan signals its commitment to aligning with global counter-terrorism norms and closing legislative gaps. The law comes at a time when the region faces evolving threats, including non-state armed groups and transnational criminal networks that exploit weak legislative frameworks. By elevating the law to presidential-decree status, the government provides a strong political mandate for coordinated action.
The decree is expected to strengthen cooperation among security services and may improve Sudan’s standing in international oversight of anti-terrorism finance and justice. It could also act as a deterrent by raising the cost of engaging in terrorist activity or in financing and supporting such actions.
What to watch next
Implementation is key: the decree will need accompanying regulations, capacity-building for enforcement agencies, training for judiciary and law-enforcement officials, and mechanisms for protecting rights of suspects and civilians. How the decree is enforced in practice — including transparency, fairness and respect for human rights — will determine whether it translates into effective counter-terrorism outcomes.
Also of interest will be how Sudan engages with regional and international partners under this new legal framework, including sharing intelligence, cooperating with sanctions regimes, and aligning with global anti-terror finance standards.
Implications
For local communities, the decree may lead to heightened security operations, surveillance, and potentially stricter controls on movement and financial transactions. For businesses and civil society, there may be new compliance obligations and oversight mechanisms to monitor their activities in relation to combating terrorism. For foreign partners and investors, the legal clarity may reduce risks related to terrorist financing or participation in prohibited networks, thereby improving the investment environment.
