The Swiss multinational engineering group ABB is halting its work in
Sudan because of the country’s increasing political and social
instability.
The company, which insisted last year that it would not pull out over
human rights concerns (EP8, issue 3, p2), believes it is now too risky
to stay, but promises to continue to support social projects in Sudan.
ABB said: ‘In view of a number of political, legislative and economic
factors we have decided to suspend our business activities in Sudan …
We will resume business once we believe the conditions are appropriate.’
The Zurich-based company has been under pressure from investors and
campaigners, and also several US states, to end its Sudan involvement,
but argues that it aids the country through social projects. ABB
supplies power transmission and distribution equipment there, and also
instrumentation for an oilfield. In 2005 its income in Sudan accounted
for only $20million (£10.3m) of its $22billion revenue.
