KHARTOUM – Protesters took to the streets of the Sudanese capital for the fifth day in a row on Friday to decry a government decision lifting state subsidies on fuel and several other commodities.
At least one person was reportedly killed and scores injured in eastern Khartoum in clashes with security forces.
Demonstrations were also staged in the states of Omdurman and Khartoum Bahri and Al-Obeid, capital city of North Kordofan.
Thousands of marchers set out from the famous Wad Nubawi Mosque in Omdurman following weekly Friday prayers, according to youth activist group Sudan Change Now.
Mass protests engulfed Sudan following a government decision on Sunday lifting state subsidies on fuel and several other commodities as part of a controversial economic reform program. The government also raised taxes on a number of consumer goods.
The move sent the prices of hydrocarbons and consumer commodities skyrocketing, instantly triggering demonstrations.
While activists say more than 70 people have been killed in the protests, Sudanese authorities put the toll at 29.
Although backed by the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, the austerity measures – which also include devaluation of the local currency – sparked massive protests in July.
The severe public backlash forced the government to change gears, opting instead for a more gradual approach to economic reform.
by Ayman Elias Ibrahim
englishnews@aa.com.tr
