Bashir Dismisses Government, Declares State of Emergency

Sudan's President Omar al-Bashir has declared a
national state of emergency for one year and has dismissed the federal
government.
Bashir did not say he would step down as the head
of the ruling National Congress Party, as it was expected, but did affirm not
running for the 2020 polls.
He said he would remain the country’s head of
state. But asked parliament to postpone constitutional amendments that would
allow him to run for another term.
"I announce imposing a state of emergency
across the country for one year," Bashir said in a televised address to
the nation from the presidential palace in Khartoum.
"I announce dissolving the government at the
federal level and at the provincial levels," he added.
Despite the decisions, demonstrators vowed to keep
up with their rallies, which started three months ago.
In his speech, Bashir also addressed the
opposition, saying “I extend a sincere invitation to the opposition forces, who
are still outside the path of national reconciliation … to move forward and
engage in the dialogue regarding the current issues of our country.”
“Firm economic measures should be taken in a new
government”, Bashir said, adding that he would assign that task to a qualified
team.
Sudan's opposition Freedom and Change Coalition
stressed in a statement the people’s demands are clear and they are not the
changes in government but the stepping down of the regime and president.
The statement called on the people to continue
with the protests, saying their demands will be attained whether the regime
liked it or not.
Sudan has been gripped by nationwide protests
since December 19. The demonstrations were triggered by rising prices.
The government has said that 31 people have died
in protest-related violence. But the opposition and international organizations
have put the toll at 51 people killed.