Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir delivers a speech in Khartoum, Sudan, on Feb. 22, 2019. Omar al-Bashir on Friday declared a state of emergency in Sudan for one year in the wake of popular protests in the country. (Xinhua/Mohamed Khidir)
KHARTOUM, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir on Friday declared a state of emergency in Sudan for one year in the wake of popular protests in the country.
"I declare the state of emergency all over Sudan for one year," said Bashir in a speech to the Sudanese people from the Republican Palace.
He also said to delay the procedures on a constitutional amendment that was supposed to allow him to run for a new term.
He vowed to stand at the same distance from all the Sudanese political parties, saying "from the presidential platform, I will stand at one distance from all parties."
Bashir further regarded the Sudanese Armed Forces as the main guarantor for enhancing the dialogue and stability.
He dissolved the central and state governments and decided the formation of a new one combining competencies, which is to be announced later.
He stressed the importance of achieving national accord as a strategic goal, saying "there is no alternative except dialogue."
"There is no winner or loser in the cause of the homeland, and the zero options will not solve its issues," Bashir noted.
Since December 2018, various areas in Sudan, including the capital Khartoum, have been witnessing popular protests over the deteriorating economic conditions and price hikes of basic commodities.
The authorities said that at least 32 people have been killed during two months of protests, including three security personnel.
Sudan has been rapidly expanding its money supply in an attempt to finance its budget deficit, causing spiraling inflation and a deep decline in the value of its currency.
