Spike in gas prices spurs violent protests around Sudan
- Sudanese protest over economic reforms lifting gas subsidies, leading to price hikes
- One protester shot dead in Wad Madani; police say that it's not known who shot him
- Witnesses: Gas stations, buses, political buildings are attacked amid protests
High school- and
college-age youths played a big part the first demonstration Sunday -- a
day before the price hikes went into effect -- in Wad Madani, a city
about 190 kilometers (120 miles) southeast of Khartoum.
One student died of
gunshots during that protest. Police said that it was not known where
the fatal shot came from, though activists on social media blamed
police.
Hundreds joined in similar demonstrations that broke out around the country in the subsequent days.
Witnesses said some of
these outbursts of public sentiment were accompanied by violence and
destruction, including attacks on gas stations, damaging of buses and
looting of stores. The ruling party's offices in different parts of
Khartoum also came under attack.
Police responded with tear gas, according to witnesses.
There was no indication
the tension was abating by Wednesday night, when the Internet appeared
out and gunfire could be heard around the capital -- though it could not
immediately be discerned where police or armed activists were
responsible.
The origin of the unrest
is a government policy, which has been debated for more than a month, to
get its economic house in order.
As part of that plan, the
Sudanese government lifted its subsidy on gas -- leading to prices
nearly doubling overnight when the policy took effect early this week.
That's had a trickle
down effect on other expenses as well, such as bus fares, and it's
expected to lead to a major uptick in food prices over the coming weeks.
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