Witnesses say Sudanese security forces fired at thousands of anti-government protesters who spent a third straight night demonstrating outside army headquarters.
The heavy gunfire, which was heard on live broadcast by Arab TV stations, showed security forces trying to break up the protest by force. People were also seen running for cover.
Protests initially began on December 19 in response to a government decision to triple the price of bread. This was followed by nationwide demonstrations against Bashir’s rule spanning three decades. They accused his administration of mismanaging the economy, resulting to soaring food prices as well as fuel and foreign currency shortages.
The latest protests appear to be the biggest demonstration in months of protests against his 30-year rule.
Protesters on Saturday marched towards a compound in the center of the capital housing the defense ministry as well as Bashir’s residence and the country’s security headquarters and camped there.
Riot police and secret service personnel reportedly charged the demonstrators on Monday with pickup trucks while firing tear gas, trying to disperse the crowd estimated at around 3,000 men and women.
The interior minister, Bishara Jumaa, confirmed that six people were killed during protests and one more died in the western region of Darfur.
He also said that 15 civilians and 42 members of the security forces were injured in the protests and that 2,496 protesters were arrested in Khartoum.
Jumaa said 39 people had died since the onset of the protests, including three members of the security forces. Activists put the death toll at more than 60.
