US eases Sudan communications sanctions

WASHINGTON: The United States on Tuesday eased sanctions against Sudan by allowing Americans to send some communications hardware and software, including smartphones, officials said.

The measure, which takes effect Wednesday, also covers computers and related accessories, the US Treasury Department said.

Washington and Sudan have strained diplomatic relations and the United States has for years imposed sanctions on Sudan over a range of grievances including on human rights and Darfur.

Last week, the United States hit out at Sudan for failing to allow a UN probe of an alleged mass rape in Darfur by Khartoum's troops.