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Saturday, February 23, 2019, 12:28
Sudan declares 1-year state of emergency, disbands Cabinet
By Agencies
Saturday, February 23, 2019, 12:28 By Agencies

In this July 9, 2018, file photo, Sudan's President Omar al-Bashir attends a ceremony for Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, at the Presidential Palace in Ankara, Turkey. (BURHAN OZBILICI / AP)

CAIRO — Sudan's President Omar al-Bashir, facing deadly protests, on Friday declared a state of emergency for a year, disbanded the federal government and replaced all state governors with senior army officers.

Al-Bashir — who seized power in a 1989 coup — also said that he will postpone pushing for constitutional amendments that would allow him to seek a third term in office.

Al-Bashir — who seized power in a 1989 coup — also said that he will postpone pushing for constitutional amendments that would allow him to seek a third term in office

Facing genocide charges, al-Bashir's rule has been rocked by civil wars and increasing street demonstrations. A heavy security crackdown has left scores of protesters dead. At least 57 people have been killed since December.

"Our country is passing through a difficult and complicated phase in our national history," al-Bashir said in a speech aired live from the presidential palace in Khartoum. "We will get out of it stronger and more united and determined."

READ MORE: Two more dead as anti-govt protests rock Sudanese cities

In a rare acknowledgment, al-Bashir described the demands of the protesters as "legitimate" but said there are attempts to exploit the youth protests "to take the country to the unknown."

The state of emergency will give the security forces a free hand in cracking down on protesters and carrying out detentions, and places heavier restrictions on the press and opposition parties.

In this Dec 25, 2018 handout photo provided by a Sudanese activist, people chant slogans during a demonstration in Khartoum, Sudan. (PHOTO / Sudanese Activist / AP)

The announcements were instantly met with street demonstrations, demanding the longtime president to step down. Witnesses said riot police fired tear gas and arrested a number of protesters.

Sudan has been gripped by nationwide protests since Dec 19. The demonstrations, which show no sign of abating, were triggered by rising prices and shortages but quickly turned to calls for al-Bashir to step down

Sudan has been gripped by nationwide protests since Dec 19. The demonstrations, which show no sign of abating, were triggered by rising prices and shortages but quickly turned to calls for al-Bashir to step down.

Al-Bashir's term ends in 2020 and he has repeatedly promised over the years not to make new runs for the presidency. Without amending the constitutions, he can't run for a third term.

His announcement came days after a parliamentary committee tasked with amending the constitution to scrap presidential term limit canceled its meetings.

ALSO READ: Sudan protesters show resilience, employ Arab Spring tactics

As he was speaking in the presidential palace in Khartoum and in other districts, dozens of protesters were already taking to the streets chanting, "just fall."

Shelving intentions to amend the constitution to pave the way for a third term in office appeared to be the only political concession al-Bashir has made so far after two months of nonstop demonstrations.

"What al-Bashir presented are tactics to keep his regime alive," said the leader of Umma Party, Mubarak al-Mahdi. "Declaring a state of emergency means suppressing freedom of expression and demonstration and tightening grip on the revolution."

Sudan's main opposition groups call for a four-year transitional government followed by elections.


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