Sudan: Renewed protests over food prices in Khartoum Jan. 16 /update 3

Event

Hundreds of students continued to protest against the increased prices of bread near the presidential palace in Khartoum on Tuesday, January 16, calling for a change of government before clashing with police. Police forces fired tear gas to disperse the crowds, struck demonstrators with batons, and arrested several people. Further protests are likely in the coming days and additional clashes cannot be ruled out.

Context

The price of bread has reportedly doubled in the country since the beginning of January, when the government removed subsidies under its 2018 budget. The government has begun to implement a number of broad-based economic reforms, in line with recommendations by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in an attempt to stabilize and increase economic growth.

Several protests have broken out across Sudan since the removal of subsidies. On January 7, at least one person was killed in six others wounded in related protests in Al-Junaynah (West Darfur state).

Advice

Individuals present in Sudan are advised to monitor developments to the situation, remain vigilant, and to avoid all demonstrations as violence may flare up without warning.

On a more general note, many Western governments advise against nonessential travel to Sudan and against all travel to certain regions, including the five Darfur states, South Kordofan, Blue Nile, certain areas of North Kordofan, the Djebel Ouanat region, Dinder National Park, and Sennar state.​