Sudan: Renewed protests over austerity measures Feb. 13

Event

The US Embassy in Khartoum has warned that anti-austerity demonstrations are scheduled to take place on Tuesday, February 13, in in the capital Khartoum in the city of Omdurman (located directly north of the capital), and in Khartoum North. The demonstrations are expected to start at 15:00 (local time) and take place in the vicinity of major transportation hubs, as well as in front of the Presidential Palace in Khartoum.  Protesters will denounce recent government austerity measures that have resulted in rising prices of basic goods - including bread, fuel, and medicines.

Heightened security measures and transportation disruptions are expected in the above-mentioned areas on February 13. Further such protests are to be expected 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.

Several protests have erupted in Sudanese cities since January 6 due to the price hikes, notably in Khartoum and Omdurman January 16-17 and 31, respectively. The protests were reportedly violently suppressed by police and resulted in the arrests of hundreds of activists.

Advice

Individuals present in Sudan are advised to monitor developments to the situation, remain vigilant, and 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.