Sudan shuts down Iranian cultural centre, expels diplomat

Sudanese authorities on Monday ordered the closure of the Iranian Cultural Center in the capital Khartoum and in the Sudanese states, Sudan Tribune has learned.
The Iranian cultural attaché and the staff at the center were also asked to leave the country within 72 hours.
The government has not issued any official explanation for the abrupt move but the Foreign Ministry today summoned the Iranian charge d’affaires and informed him of the decision.
Some press reports have suggested that the Sudanese government’s decision was motivated by warnings made by religious circles as well as the media about the spread of Shiite ideology among Sudanese youngsters after the intensification of activities by the office of the Iranian cultural attaché in Khartoum.
A radical jihadist group under the name of “Hamza Group for Preaching and Jihad” issued a statement last month threatening the former managing director of Kenana Sugar Company Mohamed El-Mardi Tijani and religious cleric al-Nayel Abu-Guroon after accusing them of promoting the Shiite sect.