Sudan: calls for new anti-government protests

Organizers of demonstrations in Sudan since December 19 have called for new anti-government rallies on Friday and next week, putting pressure on President Omar al-Bashir's regime.

"We will launch a week of uprising with demonstrations in all towns and villages," said Friday the Sudanese Professionals Association which includes among others doctors, teachers and engineers.

In its appeal on social networks, the association has called for a large rally Sunday in northern Khartoum and several events across the capital next Thursday.

She had already called for a rally after Friday prayers in the locality of Atbara (250 kilometers north of Khartoum), where the first demonstration was held.

In the midst of economic slump, Sudan has been plagued since 19 December by demonstrations provoked by the government's decision to triple the price of bread, but which have quickly turned into a movement against President Omar al-Bashir, who holds the country of an iron fist since a coup in 1989.

A total of 22 people died in these anti-government demonstrations, according to an official report. Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have reported at least 40 deaths.

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