Democracy News
Sudanese Students Call for Reform and the Resignation of the Sudanese President
February 3, 2011
By: Randi Zung | Printer Friendly
On January 31, BBC News reported that student protests in Sudan’s largest city of Omdurman had resulted in one fatality and the arrest of at least 113 demonstrators. The victim, Mohammed Abd al-Rahman – a student at nearby Ahaliya University located in northern Sudan – died at the scene from a gunshot wound. The police have since claimed that they received no reports of a death. The protest, which was attended by thousands, took place on January 30-31 and was reported to have been ignited by calls for economic and political reform, as well as the resignation of longtime leader President Omar al-Bashir. Reporting from Khartoum, BBC News reporter James Copnall said that protesters have been “inspired” by the events in Egypt and Tunisia. Similar protests also occurred in the towns of El Obeid and Kosti, as well as in the Gezira state.
The New York Times reported that the group responsible for organizing the protest is called the “Youth of 30 January for Change Alliance,” and uses Facebook to coordinate their events. According to the group’s Facebook page, the group stated, “It is about time we demand our rights and take what’s ours in a peaceful demonstration that will not involve any acts of sabotage.” In the past week, many protesters have endured beatings and been arrested by riot police. The World Movement for Democracy reported that the group currently boasts a membership of over 16,000 people.
Commenting on the crackdown, AFP reported that Jehanne Henry, the head of research on Sudan for Human Rights Watch said, “This fits in with the restrictions on the freedom of expression in Sudan, and the continued use of the national security apparatus, which has a long history of ill treatment and torture, to detain journalists and activists.” Officials from north Sudan’s ruling National Congress Party have denounced the protests as illegal.
Coinciding with the student-led protests, AFP also reported that 12 journalists had been arrested while covering a meeting at the opposition communist party headquarters in Khartoum. Another four people, including members of the opposition party, were detained.
Sources:
BBC News - Sudan student 'killed' while protesting in Omdurman
New York Times - Young Sudanese Start Protest Movement
AFP - 12 journalists held in Sudan crackdown: opposition
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