Iran Press/Africa: After Sadiq al-Mahdi’s remarks at Friday prayers, hundreds of protesters then marched through Omdurman, across the River Nile from the capital, and police fired teargas to try to break up the rally.
The former prime minister expressed support for the protests and condemned security forces’ use of live bullets, saying more than 50 people had been killed since unrest began. The official death toll stands at 30, including two security personnel, Reuters reported.
Protesters also gathered in different neighborhoods in Khartoum. South of the capital, hundreds of protesters blocked a main road, chanting “peaceful, peaceful, against the thieves”, drawing tear gas volleys from police.
Students, activists and other protesters have held almost daily demonstrations across Sudan since 19 December, calling for an end to economic hardships and mounting the most sustained challenge to President Omar Hassan al-Bashir’s three decades in power.
Bashir has blamed the protests on foreign agents and challenged his rivals to seek power through the ballot box. He has shown no sign that he is prepared to concede any power.
Sudan has been rapidly expanding its money supply in an attempt to finance its budget deficit, causing spiraling inflation and a steep decline in the value of its currency.
President al-Bashir has rejected calls for his resignation and says ongoing protests will not lead to a change in government.
The public display of anger, over price hikes and shortages, soon escalated into calls for Bashir to step down, blaming him for the country’s problems.
Sudanese authorities have declared curfews and states of emergency in several states. Residents say police have used live ammunition against protesters. 101 / 211 /202
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