Sudan’s president bans protests, public gatherings

Photo: President Omar al-Bashir

Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir on Monday banned unauthorised protests and public gatherings in a series of decrees, the state-run SUNA news agency said.

Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir on Monday banned unauthorised protests and public gatherings in a series of decrees, the state-run SUNA news agency said.

SUNA said Bashir also banned trading or hoarding fuel products and subsidized goods. He also issued new regulations on trading and transporting gold and foreign currency.

Security forces, under emergency decrees, have the right to search any building, restrict movement of people and public transport across the country.

 Under the decrees, security forces have powers to arrest individuals suspected of a crime related to the state of emergency, and confiscate property during investigations and trials.

 Bashir, who came to power in a military coup backed by Islamists in 1989, authorized the public prosecutor to revoke the immunity of any person suspected of a crime related to the state of emergency.

The Sudanese leader also directed the country’s chief justice to establish courts to deal with cases related to the state of emergency.

On Friday, Bashir imposed a one-year state of emergency across the country and dissolved his cabinet and state governments, in a bid to quell nationwide protests calling for him to step down.

Angry citizens have taken to the streets across the country since 19 December 2018 calling for Bashir to resign. The protests started after food and fuel prices increased in the country.