Sudan's Bashir declares one-year state of emergency, dissolves government

[rooster59]

Sudan's Bashir declares one-year state of emergency, dissolves government

By Khalid Abdelaziz

 

FILE PHOTO: Sudan's President Omar al-Bashir addresses his supporters during a rally at the Green Square in Khartoum, Sudan January 9, 2019. REUTERS/Mohamed Nureldin Abdallah/File Photo

 

KHARTOUM (Reuters) - Sudan's President Omar al-Bashir, facing the country's biggest popular protests since he came to power 30 years ago, declared a one-year state of emergency on Friday and called on parliament to postpone constitutional amendments that would allow him to seek another term in a 2020 presidential election.

 

In a televised speech, Bashir also said he would dissolve the central government as well as state governments.

 

"Firm economic measures should be taken in a new government", Bashir said, adding that he will assign that task to a qualified team.

 

He also encouraged the opposition to "move forward", and engage in a dialogue.

 

"I extend a sincere invitation to the opposition forces, who are still outside the path of national reconciliation ... to move forward and engage in the dialogue regarding the current issues of our country".

 

The anti-government demonstrations began on Dec. 19, triggered by price increases and cash shortages, but quickly developed into protests against Bashir's rule.

 

Two weeks before the protests broke out, a majority of lawmakers had backed proposed amendments to the constitution that would allow Bashir to run for another term.

 

But last Saturday, the parliamentary committee tasked with amending the constitution said it would indefinitely postpone a meeting to draft these changes.

 

Ahead of Bashir's speech, security forces fired tear gas to disperse at least 200 protesters in the capital, Khartoum, eyewitnesses said.

 

The Sudanese Professionals Association (SPA), the main protest organizer, issued a call for additional demonstrations.

 

"The demands of this revolution are clear ... foremost that this regime and its head step aside, including its repressive institutions", the SPA said in a statement.

 

Bashir, an Islamist and former army officer, came to power in 1989 after a military coup. He won elections in 2010 and 2015 after changes in the constitution following a peace agreement with southern rebels, who then seceded to form South Sudan.

 

Bashir had previously blamed the protests on foreign "agents", and challenged his rivals to seek power through the ballot box. He had shown no sign that he was prepared to concede any power.

 

But earlier this month he softened his tone dramatically, saying the protesters are mostly young people with poor prospects.

 

Even then Bashir warned against destabilising the Sudanese state, saying “you can look at what happened in Libya”, which has been in a state of turmoil since a 2011 civil war led to the overthrow of longstanding dictator Muammar Gaddafi.

 

Activists say nearly 60 people have been killed during the protests, while authorities put the death toll at 32, including three security personnel.

 

Security forces have used tear gas and live bullets to disperse protesters, and have made hundreds of arrests, including of opposition party members, activists and journalists.

 

Bashir is wanted by the International Criminal Court over charges of masterminding genocide in the Darfur region, which he denies. He has been lobbying for Sudan to be removed from a list of countries which Washington deems state sponsors of terrorism.

 

The listing has blocked the investment and financial aid that Sudan was hoping for when the United States lifted sanctions in 2017, economists say.

 

-- © Copyright Reuters 2019-02-23

 

 

[Blackheart1916]

"Look what happened in Libya" Same as what has been happening in Sudan forever.

[Puchaiyank]

The demands of this revolution are clear ... foremost that this regime and its head step aside, including its repressive institutions.

 

What was the name of that country?

[tompelli]

4 hours ago, rooster59 said:

"I extend a sincere invitation to the opposition forces, who are still outside the path of national reconciliation ... to move forward and engage in the dialogue regarding the current issues of our country".

Said prayut, never