Seven Sudanese states declared a state of emergency today following protests that took place in several areas in recent days, denouncing the deterioration of living conditions, rising prices, and shortages of some basic goods. Meanwhile, the "Committee for the Removal of Empowerment" called for the prosecution of activists from the dissolved National Congress Party for their alleged involvement in these events.
Al Jazeera reported that the states declaring a state of emergency include South and West Darfur, North and East Darfur, as well as North and West Kordofan and Sennar. The Sudanese interior minister stated that the situation is now under control and indicated that a joint ministerial committee will conduct field visits to the states as mandated by the Cabinet.
The protests have been accompanied by acts of looting, theft, and violence, with images showing some protesters in multiple states raiding shops. Government properties were also set ablaze, including the headquarters of the West Kordofan state government in Al Fula, as well as the premises of radio and television and other government offices in El Daein, the capital of East Darfur.
Protests erupted in at least ten Sudanese cities, with unclear leadership. While some labeled them a "hungry people’s revolution," others described them as "sabotage" backed by the dissolved National Congress Party.
In recent months, protests against the worsening economic conditions have increased, with some protesters calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Abdullah Hamdok, while others have urged for a correction of the course of the revolution.
Sudanese authorities have arrested former Vice President Hasabo Mohamed Abdul Rahman. A family source told Al Jazeera that the police arrested him from his home without disclosing the reason. Abdul Rahman was previously detained following the ousting of former President Omar al-Bashir in April 2019, but he was released later without any charges.
