Sudan’s Bashir Takes a Dramatic Turn, Announces Reporters Will Be Released – Reuters

KHARTOUM – Sudan’s President Omar al-Bashir, amid ongoing protests against his administration, adopted a conciliatory stance towards demonstrators on Wednesday. He acknowledged that the majority of those protesting are young individuals facing bleak prospects, and he pledged the release of detained journalists.

Bashir’s comments seem to signal a shift in the government’s approach to the protests, following similar sentiments expressed by the Defence Minister and Prime Minister in recent days.

"Most of the protesters are young, and several factors have driven them to the streets, including inflation, which has resulted in soaring prices, as well as limited job opportunities, which fail to meet the demands of graduates," Bashir stated during a press gathering at the presidential palace to discuss recent developments.

This statement marks a significant departure from his earlier remarks, where he had dismissed the protesters as "rats" needing to retreat.

However, he cautioned against destabilizing Sudan, referencing the ongoing turmoil in Libya following the 2011 civil war that led to the downfall of Muammar Gaddafi.

The protests, which began on December 19, were originally ignited by economic issues such as price hikes and restrictions on cash withdrawals. Over time, they have evolved to challenge Bashir’s three-decade rule.

Authorities have used tear gas and, at times, live ammunition to control the demonstrations. Human rights advocates report at least 45 fatalities, while the government claims the death toll is 30, including two security officers. Numerous political activists, civil society members, and journalists have also been detained.

Bashir promised that all journalists imprisoned in connection with the protests would be released, estimating the number of detained journalists to be around 16.

He also acknowledged that young people’s frustrations were exacerbated by the "wrong implementation" of Sudan’s public order laws. These morality laws have faced criticism for imposing restrictions on women’s freedoms, such as criminalizing women wearing trousers.

Defence Minister Awad Mohamed Ahmed Ibn Auf remarked on Monday that the young participants in the protests exhibit "reasonable ambition." Meanwhile, Prime Minister Moataz Moussa referred to demands for improved living conditions as "legitimate."

Bashir is wanted by the International Criminal Court for alleged genocide in the Darfur region—charges he denies. He has been seeking to have Sudan removed from the list of countries labeled by the United States as state sponsors of terrorism, a designation that hinders potential investment and financial aid following the lifting of sanctions in 2017.

In an attempt to finance its budget deficit, Sudan has been rapidly increasing its money supply, leading to soaring inflation and a significant depreciation of its currency.