Omar al-Bashir Declares State of Emergency in Sudan, Dissolves Government

The President of Sudan, Omar al-Bashir, on Friday, March 1, dissolved his cabinet and local governments across Sudan following widespread protests in the country. He also declared a state of emergency for one year. Al-Bashir announced his new decisions through a televised speech, calling on the Sudanese parliament to postpone its plan to amend the constitution, which would allow him to run for the presidential elections in 2020. Having held power in Sudan for three decades, he acknowledged the widespread protests and stated that 'the people's demands for better living conditions are legitimate.' Al-Bashir then invited all political groups and parties to engage in dialogue, asserting that he 'stands with the youth who are building Sudan's future.' Over the past two months, Sudan has witnessed massive public protests calling for the ousting of al-Bashir, who came to power through a coup nearly 30 years ago. Initially, the protests were focused on the rising prices of bread and fuel in northern Sudan, but they quickly transformed into demands for greater political freedoms and an end to al-Bashir's rule. Al-Bashir's current presidential term ends in 2020, and he has repeatedly stated that he does not intend to run for another term. However, in recent days, one of the Sudanese parliamentary committees announced efforts to amend the constitution, allowing al-Bashir to potentially run again. At least 57 people have been killed in the recent wave of protests. The declaration of a state of emergency gives security forces more power to suppress protesters and impose stricter restrictions on the media. Under al-Bashir's rule, Sudan has experienced bloody internal conflicts, and he himself is accused of genocide.