Rolls Royce pulls out of Sudan, cites Darfur crisis

British power systems and engine maker Rolls Royce will withdraw operations from Sudan in reaction to "increasing international humanitarian concerns".

Rolls Royce supplies engines to oil firms in Sudan, and says it will "progressively withdraw" from existing contracts and not seek new business, reported BBC.

Companies like Rolls Royce are facing increasing pressure to withdraw from the country, where rebel forces oppose the sitting governments and 20,000 have reportedly been killed in four years.

The Sudan office is a regional hub, employing only 20 people.

This decision follows increasing calls for companies to divest from Sudan and exert financial pressure on as the Sudanese government as the crisis in Darfur worsens.

"In view of increasing international humanitarian concerns about the situation in Darfur, the company recently reviewed its position and has decided it should discontinue business in Sudan. Rolls Royce will immediately cease to pursue any new business in that country and will progressively withdraw from support arising from previously signed contracts." said a spokesman for Rolls-Royce, and reported in the Sudan Journal.


Taken from http://www.themanufacturer.com/us/content/5455/Rolls_Royce_pulls_out_of_Sudan,_cites_Darfur_crisis