Sudan journalists strike amid calls for more protests
KHARTOUM — A network of Sudanese journalists went on strike on Thursday in the wake of deadly protests sparked by a hike in bread prices, while opposition groups called for further rallies.
Angry crowds have taken to the streets in the capital Khartoum and several other cities since December 19, leading to a crackdown in which a number of protesters have been killed.
“We declare a three-day strike from December 27 to protest against the violence unleashed by the government against demonstrators,” said the Sudanese Journalists’ Network which advocates free speech.
Sudanese authorities say eight protesters have been killed in clashes, but Amnesty International has put the death toll at 37. The Popular Congress Party, which is part of President Omar Al Bashir’s government, says that 17 people have been killed and 88 wounded in clashes.
Police and security officers remained deployed in several parts of the Sudanese capital on Wednesday, but for the first day in a week no new demonstrations were reported.
Activists and opposition groups have called on people to take to the streets again over the next few days.
“We urge the Sudanese people to continue their demonstrations until success is achieved by overthrowing the regime,” the Sudanese Communist Party said in a statement.
Several members of the party have been arrested by security agents since the protests started.
“We also call on all opposition parties to unite and work together to coordinate this movement.”
Protests initially started in towns and villages and later spread to Khartoum, as people rallied against the government tripling the price of a loaf of bread from one Sudanese pound to three.
We declare a three-day strike from December 27 to protest against the violence unleashed by the government against demonstrators
Sudanese Journalists’ Network