Sudan’s al-Bashir says social media-planned protests won’t lead to regime change
Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir on Thursday reiterated that he would not be pushed into quitting the presidency by protests orchestrated on social media.
Al-Bashir made the remarks in a rally held in the eastern city of Kassala, mocking his opponents’ use of social media to organize protests against his rule.
“Changing the government and changing the president will not be through WhatsApp nor Facebook, but will be through the ballot box.”
Sudan has been hit by the rare protests since mid-December, sparked by a hike in bread prices and subsequent shortages of the commodity, as well as fuel shortages.
Thousands have been taking to the streets, now calling for an end to al-Bashir’s three-decade rule of the country.
Rights groups allege that clashes between security forces and the protesters have killed at least 45, though official figures from the government say those who have lost their lives are 30.
