Protesters chanting “Freedom, peace, justice” gathered in central Khartoum and began their march but riot police quickly confronted them with tear gas, witnesses told AFP. Demonstrations were also held in the Red Sea city of Port Sudan, in the provincial town of Gadaref and in the agricultural hub of Atbara, where the first protest broke out in December after a government decision to raise the price of bread.
The protests have since escalated into broader demonstrations against Bashir’s three decades of iron-fisted rule that have triggered deadly clashes with the security forces.
Officials say at least 24 people have died, but human rights groups have given a higher toll.
Amnesty International said last week that more than 40 people had been killed and more than 1,000 arrested. Human Rights Watch said the dead included children and medical staff.
Meanwhile Sudan’s economy struggles to recover from the loss of three quarters of its oil output-its main source of foreign currency-since South Sudan seceded in 2011,keeping most of the oilfields.
Courtesy:- CGTN Africa
Eze Afrika
