Hundreds protest in Sudan, keep up pressure on Bashir

Reuters | Hundreds of protesters, mostly students, took to the streets in and near Sudan’s capital Khartoum on Monday, continuing a 3-month wave of demonstrations that has posed the most serious challenge yet to President Omar al-Bashir.

Students, activists and other protesters frustrated with economic hardships have held almost daily demonstrations across Sudan since December 19, calling for Bashir to step down.

At least 4 demonstrators were detained on Monday by security forces in Khartoum 2, an upscale area in the heart of the capital where dozens protested, a Reuters witness said. Security forces used batons to disperse the demonstrators, some of whom torched car tires.

The long serving Bashir, promised during a swearing-in ceremony for a new cabinet last week that he would engage in dialogue with the opposition. The opposition has rejected dialogue with Bashir and has continued to call for him and his government to step aside.

Last month Bashir declared a state of emergency, dissolved the central government, replaced state governors with security officials, expanded police powers and banned unlicensed public gatherings.

That has not stopped the protesters, who have stepped up demonstrations in recent days.