Protests have been mounting across Sudan in response to the nation’s acute economic crisis. Inflation reached [13] 70% in November and many have been forced to spend significant portions of their income on bread, leading to local media designating the demonstrations as "bread protests." Protesters have repeatedly called [14] for President Omar al-Bashir [15], who has been in power since 1993, to step down. President Bashir promised reforms on Dec. 25 after police blocked protesters who marched on his presidential palace. The protests have been organized by professional organizations and trade unions as well as Sudan's principal opposition group, the Umma Party [16]. Sudan's government on Dec. 20 shut off internet access to prevent the protesters from organizing via social media. According to an Amnesty International [17] report [18] released Dec. 24, at least 37 protesters have been killed so far as Sudanese authorities attempt to quell the demonstrations by releasing tear-gas and firing live ammunition, sparking international criticism [19].
From Jurist [20], Dec. 26. Used with permission.
Note: Protesters have adopted the Arab Revolution slogan "the people want the fall of the regime [21]," and have torched offices [11] of the ruling National Congress Party. A state of emergency [22] has been imposed in areas of the country.
