KHARTOUM, Jan. 20 (Xinhua) -- Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir on Sunday reiterated that the only means to change the government in Sudan is the ballot boxes in the elections slated for 2020.
Al-Bashir made the remarks when addressing a mass rally at Al-Kireida area in Sudan's White Nile State, some 392 km southwest of the capital Khartoum.
"The Sudanese people are the ones who decide the person to rule them through the elections in 2020," said al-Bashir.
He admitted that there is an economic crisis, but accused forces opponent to Sudan of causing it, saying "we have been going through economic, media and diplomatic siege, rebellion and wars, and all kind of conspiracy been tried on us."
Since last Dec. 19, various areas in Sudan, including Khartoum, have been witnessing popular protests over the deteriorating economic conditions and price hikes of basic commodities.
According to government statistics, at least 26 people have been killed during the popular protests.
