Sudan sees 3rd day of demos despite state of emergency

By Mohammed Amin

KHARTOUM

Protests in Khartoum continued for the third consecutive day on Monday despite the recent imposition of a year-long state of emergency.

Eyewitnesses told Anadolu agency that thousands of people hit the streets of downtown Khartoum on Monday.

“Thousands protested in and around downtown Khartoum chanting slogans against President Omar al-Bashir,” Ahmed Bala, a Sudanese activist, said.

Police reportedly surrounded three university campuses in the capital, including the University of Medical Science and Technology, Sudan International University and Al-Ahfad University.

Multiple student activists told Anadolu Agency that police conducted raids at all three campuses, using teargas to disperse demonstrators.

“Police raided campuses and beat students,” one demonstrator said.

Video posted online purports to show police beating and arresting students.

On Friday, al-Bashir declared a year-long state of emergency to deal with ongoing protests that have rocked the country since erupting more than two months ago.

In a related development, a newly-appointed vice-president, prime minister and 15 regional governors were all sworn in Monday before al-Bashir.