Protests in Sudan

By: J. Santodomingo

The police station in Northern Khartoum, Sudan's capital, was so full that detainees were pouring into their backyard. A local said that he saw at least 1000 being arrested that day. Many were beaten or had their hair forcibly and humiliatingly shaved off. Many thousands of Sudanese have marched into the streets these pasts weeks. What started as a riot for the price of bread has turned into a “warzone”.

Forty have been killed in nearly four-hundred protests. The government has put up a figure of 800 detained. But in reality, this figure is much greater. The riots were caused due to an event in 2017, when the government decided to cut wheat subsidies, with the goal of cutting GDP deficiencies. Yet, this triggered a series of events which led to the destruction of Sudan's economy. To remedy this, Sudan's government lost it (for the lack of a better phrase) and started printing more money. This lead into a 70% increase in inflation (highest inflated economy per year, after Venezuela). Now, these protests and riots across the country are asking for a regime change.

On the 6th, protests took place in front of the Presidential Palace, chanting for President Bashir to resign. This president came in power in 1989 after a coup and some dodgy elections, and plans to be in power until (at least) 2020. But can he last in power? In my opinion, Mr Bashir will stand this protest, even though I hope to be wrong -  he has already survived protests in the past. To protect himself, he has called upon the government to increase subsidies (to keep people happy). But every action has a price: this will increase national debt by 39%.