US President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that he is extending sanctions against the Sudanese government.

The Kuwaiti News Agency, KUNA, reported today that the National Emergency with Respect to Sudan, outlined in Executive Order 13067 and originally signed in 1997 by then President Bill Clinton, bars any trade or transactions between US firms or individuals and Sudan.

In a letter to congress, Trump indicated he was extending the Executive Order beyond the November 3rd deadline, saying that while the Sudanese government has made progress in issues relating to counter-terrorism and human rights, "the actions and policies of Sudan's government have not been resolved."

"These continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States," the letter said.

The sanctions charged Sudan with supporting international terrorism, ongoing efforts to destabilise neighbouring governments, and human rights violations, including slavery and denial of religious freedom.

The extension of sanctions is in stark contrast to an announcement made by the Trump administration that it would formally lift a host of sanctions against Sudan, concluding that decades of punitive efforts had done little to encourage reforms, added KUNA.