The United Nation is demanding a probe into the death of protesters in Sudan. There have been agitations over the country’s worsening economic situation.
Over 22 people have been killed in protests taking place across the north African country. Protesters are demanding the exit of President Omar al-Bashir.
The protests were triggered after bread prices increased from one Sudanese pound ($0.02) to three Sudanese pounds ($0.063).
Bread prices in Sudan are said to be astronomically higher as a result of the country’s economic challenges.
The prices of bread have more than tripled since the start of 2018. It was caused by the government decision to stop importing wheat from overseas.
Officials had hoped the move would create competition between private companies importing wheat, and check price increments. But a number of bakeries have since stopped production, citing a lack of flour.
This forced the government to increase flour subsidies by 40 per cent in November.
U.N unhappy with crackdown
On Friday the U.N Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on Sudanese officials to investigate the deaths recorded so far from the violent protests.
The government has already disputed that as many as over 22 people have been killed.
But Guterres said in a statement that he was appealing for “calm and restraint and calls on the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the deaths and violence.”
Protests have continued into Friday with Sudanese police firing tear gas at worshippers who staged demonstrations after Friday prayers.
Crackdowns were recorded in several cities, including Khartoum and the city of Omdurman on the west bank of the Nile.
Demand for the exit of Bashir
The protesters continue to demand the exit of President Bashir who seized power in a 1989 military coup, overthrowing an elected government.
He is a career soldier and had support from Islamists during the 1989 military coup. Bashir recently received the backing of the country’s military that assured him of their support.
He is still wanted by the International Criminal Court for committing crimes against humanity and genocide in the western Darfur region.
It is not clear how sustained these agitations for his exit will be following moves by the parliament to prolong his reign.
Source: Africafeeds.com
