Sudan: Police disperse protesters in Sennar Jan. 6

Event

The Sudanese police reportedly fired teargas to forcibly disperse protesters on Saturday, January 6 in the city of Sennar, located approximately 300 km (185 mi ) south of Khartoum. Some 400 people gathered to protest against the hike in bread prices over the past week. At present, there are no reports of injuries or deaths. Main opposition parties in the country have called for peaceful protests to be held against the increased prices; large crowds were also reported outside bakeries in Khartoum on Friday, January 5.

Further protests, and possible associated violence, should be anticipated in towns and cities across the country, including the capital, in the coming days and weeks.

Context

The price of bread has reportedly doubled in the country since the beginning of January, when the government removed subsidies under its 2018 budget. The government has begun to implement a number of broad-based economic reforms, in line with recommendations by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in an attempt to stabilize and increase economic growth.

Advice

Individuals present in Sudan are advised to keep abreast of the situation, to remain vigilant, and to avoid all demonstrations as violence may flare up without warning.

On a more general note, many Western governments advise against nonessential travel to Sudan and against all travel to certain regions, including the five Darfur states, South Kordofan, Blue Nile, certain areas of North Kordofan, the Djebel Ouanat region, Dinder National Park, and Sennar state.