How to solve a problem like Sudan? In the same way that Bitcoin incorporates a multitude of disciplines within it that extend beyond just money, the Sudan conflict has a hornet’s nest of problems beyond just power struggles. As a “Northern” Sudanese, who also lived in Juba, South Sudan as a child, long before the country split into two states, I am perhaps biased. I used to think the country should have never split and we should have found a way to celebrate our differences, in true American fashion. I believe that to be naive now. The cultural divide is too great and sometimes the gaps cannot be bridged. I think the best way to help Sudan, is the same way Bitcoiners want to help the world. Fix the money. South Sudan, and (north) Sudan like most African countries, are rich in natural resources and can be wealthy nations with the right leadership. If we spent less time and effort forcing “International Development” projects and more time respecting indigenous traditions, the world would be better for it. Having said that, building energy infrastructures like the Gridless team are doing, that bring small-time electric grids to rural areas, supported by bitcoin mining operations can be a good start. I think one of the guys from that company grew up in Sudan! Otherwise, I personally favor a hands-off approach to the other problems such as religion, ethnic wars, middle east politics, Nile politics and infrastructure projects. They all result in rampant corruption and the people we are meant to help always get left behind. I speak from experience, I grew up in Abidjan, Ivory Coast and my Dad worked for the African Development Bank. We were as idealist as they come. To say it was a slow descent into oblivion is putting it mildly. As privileged as we were growing up as ex-pats in the heyday of International Aid and Development, even the kids knew something was wrong with the world. We just did not know what was the problem. It was the money. It was always the money. Thank God for Bitcoin.