Sudan’s Army Promises to Maintain Stability Amid Protests, According to Reuters

KHARTOUM (Reuters) – The Sudanese army announced on Wednesday that it would take measures to prevent the collapse of the state amidst ongoing mass protests calling for the end of President Omar al-Bashir’s nearly 30-year presidency.

Activists have urged the military to align with the protesters and exert pressure on the government to resign. General Kamal Abdul Maarouf, the chief of staff of the armed forces, emphasized that the military would not allow the Sudanese state to descend into chaos, asserting, “The armed forces will not allow the Sudanese state to fall or to slide into the unknown.”

He also suggested that the leaders of the protests were detrimental to Sudan’s image and had hostile intentions towards the nation.

In addressing his soldiers earlier this month, Bashir, who is 75 and came to power in a bloodless coup in 1989, stated he would only resign in favor of another military officer or through a democratic election.

The recent protests originated from grievances over rising prices and cash shortages but rapidly escalated into broader demonstrations against Bashir’s government.