In Sudan, hundreds of demonstrators demand the resignation of the government

Published on : 07/01/2021 – 12:33

Hundreds of people demonstrated Wednesday, June 30 in several cities of Sudan, demanding the resignation of the government due to austerity measures put in place as part of reforms supported by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

“No to the policies” of international financial institutions or “The people want the fall of the regime” were among the main slogans chanted by the protesters in Khartoum, according to AFP correspondents on the spot.

According to a statement from the Interior Ministry, 52 police officers were injured in clashes with protesters in Khartoum.

Dozens of protesters burned tires in front of the presidential palace, carrying signs that read “Bread for the Poor”, before police dispersed them with tear gas.

The protests come less than 24 hours after the IMF announced massive economic aid for Sudan, with debt relief of $ 50 billion, representing nearly 90% of the country’s total debt.

Palpable for several months, popular discontent has increased after the abolition, in early June, of fuel subsidies, which doubled the prices of diesel and gasoline.

In Oumdourman, the capital’s twin city, demonstrators trying to reach Khartoum were dispersed by the police using tear gas.

In Kassala (east), dozens of people took to the streets to demand justice for those killed during popular protests that ousted President Omar al-Bashir from power in 2019.

“Blood for blood, we will not accept compensation,” shouted protesters.

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“We are on the right path”

Since August 2019, Sudan has been ruled by a civil-military transitional government.

He pledged to restore the country’s battered economy, in tatters after 30 years of mismanagement, internal conflicts and international sanctions under Omar al-Bashir.

In a speech broadcast on national television, Prime Minister Abdallah Hamdok on Wednesday praised the “patience” and “endurance” of the Sudanese people after the IMF announcement. “We are on the right track,” he said.

Ahead of the protests, the authorities announced that they had arrested 79 people suspected of having links with Omar al-Bashir and of planning violent acts.

Wednesday’s date also coincides with the anniversary of the coup that brought Omar al-Bashir to power in 1989.

With AFP