Sudan’s Bashir vows reform as protests enter 4th month

By Mohammed Amin

KHARTOUM (AA) - Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir has pledged to carry out sweeping political and economic reforms as protests demanding his resignation entered their fourth month on Monday.

Addressing lawmakers, al-Bashir vowed to bring peace to the country by “integrating” rebel and opposition groups within the framework of his ongoing “National Dialogue” initiative.

“We are committed to supporting all our citizens, regardless of their political affiliations,” he told MPs.

“We will pursue our vision of reform based on justice and transparency with a view to ensuring our country’s continued stability,” he added.

“I have also ordered the cabinet to adopt appropriate measures regarding state institutions and to carry out necessary reforms to the civil service, while promoting good governance, rule of law, and human rights,” al-Bashir declared.

Despite the president’s assurances, however, anti-regime protests continued at a number of private universities in Khartoum.

According to witnesses, at least three student protesters were seriously injured on Monday in clashes with Sudanese security forces.

Sudan has been shaken by protests since last December, with demonstrators demanding the departure of al-Bashir, who has ruled Sudan since 1989.