Sudanese protest soaring prices at local markets

By Mohammed Amin

KHARTOUM (AA) -- Protests erupted Friday in central Sudan over price hikes in basic commodities following the latest lifting of subsidies by the government.

A large number of protesters took to the streets in the city of Wad Medani, the capital of Al-Gazeera state, over soaring prices and the deteriorating economy, eyewitnesses told Anadolu Agency.

“After Friday prayers, more than 2,000 people took to the streets to protest poor living conditions that have made life impossible,” Mohamed Bilal said over the phone.

“People from many neighborhoods have taken to the streets chanting anti-government slogans and burning tires, shutting down some main streets in the city,” said Adel Ahmed, another eyewitness.

The police cracked down on protesters using batons and water cannon, but no casualties have been reported.

Just a few days ago, the government denied any plans to further lift subsidies on basic commodities amid calls by the opposition to protest price hikes at markets

The government recently lifted subsidies on essential commodities such as wheat, fuel and electricity, leading to sharp rises in prices of staple items, including bread.

Sudan has repeatedly lifted subsidies in an attempt to rescue its economy, which has sharply declined despite the lifting of U.S. sanctions last October.

Finance Minister Mohamed Osman Al-Rikab said earlier this week that the country still does not have access to the global financial system.

In December 2016, Sudan witnessed nationwide civil disobedience to protest the lifting of subsides on fuel and electricity.

More than 200 people were killed in September 2013 during protests in cities and towns across Sudan after President Omar al-Bashir announced an end to fuel subsidies and the introduction of other austerity measures.