Sudan’s president vows to overcome economic crisis

By Mohammed Amin

KHARTOUM, Sudan

Sudanese president on Monday vowed to make “tireless efforts” to overcome the prevailing economic crisis in his country.

“We are confident that we shall soon overcome this temporary but difficult phase and return to the path of comprehensive development, utilizing the strong base of resources our economy enjoys,” Omar al-Bashir said at a ceremony marking the national independence day.

Bashir also vowed to conduct free and fair elections in 2020.

He further called on the political parties to join the national dialogue initiated by the ruling party in 2014.

“At this we call upon the political parties to contribute wisely to dealing with the nation’s issues including the current economic problem, through advising and providing alternatives, not through competition and political gain,” the Sudanese president said.

“I wish to confirm that all institutions of the state seek to resolve this crisis through formulating a roadmap drawn around a strategy built upon production and productivity,” he added.

Meanwhile, thousands of protesters took to the streets in the capital Khartoum on Monday, calling on the president to step down over deteriorating economic conditions in the country.

Sudanese authorities say at least 19 people have been killed in street demonstrations that swept several Sudanese states against rising prices and shortages of basic commodities earlier this month.

Opposition groups, for their part, say the death toll is closer to 40.

Sudanese authorities have announced a state of emergency and curfew in a number of provinces over the protests, with government officials accusing Israel of plotting with rebel groups to cause violence in the country.

A nation of 40 million, Sudan has struggled to recover from the loss of three-quarters of its oil output – its main source of foreign currency – when South Sudan seceded in 2011.