Sudan opposition mobilises against utility price increase
Sudan opposition mobilises against utility price increase
Sudanese opposition forces have mobilised against government plans to increase the price of electricity and water by 100 percent.
2 min read
Protests broke out in Sudan in 2013 over fuel price increases [AFP]
Sudan Call, a coalition of local opposition groups, have declared a state of general mobilisation against government plans to increase the price of some commodities and services.
Authorities in Khartoum are looking to increase the cost of electricity and water by 100 percent.
Political parties in the government, including the Democratic Unionist Party led by Ahmed al-Mirghani, have threatened to resign from the cabinet if the plans are approved. They argue the increases will place a huge burden on citizens.
Observers say the increases could lead to popular protests, as seen in September 2013 when around 700 died in violence after the government increased fuel prices.
Parliament is scheduled to approve the price increases between October 2015 and April 2016.
Political analysts believe parliament will agree to the increases. Most MPs are from the ruling National Congress party and its allies, and are unlikely to deviate from the government's position.
Al-araby al-Jadeed has seen a copy of a statement issued by Sudan Call, which accuses the government of resorting to economic policies that burden the citizens in times of crisis. It argues for the need to adopt serious policies focused, for example, on ending the various conflicts in the country.
Sudan Call, which includes a variety of political and militant groups, said these conflicts and "excessive" spending on defence and security takes up almost 70 percent of the state budget.
''The government forces citizens to pay the price for its wars, corruption and failure,'' read the statement.
The opposition believes the crisis affecting the country's economy and services will continue.
"We declare a state of general mobilisation and call on all civil and political forces to resist the price increases.
"The regime is weak and isolated, and the Sudanese people can be strong by uniting and rallying behind the major issues,'' said Sudan Call's statement.
Opposition forces also rejected increases in custom duties on wheat imports.
Last week, Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir asked the government to research the proposed price increases for water and electricity.
The ministry of water and electricity, however, argues the increases are needed to guarantee a continued supply after frequent water and electricity shortages.
Many parts of the country including most of the capital Khartoum are experiencing water and electricity rationing. Some areas have been without water for more than a month.
Authorities in Khartoum are looking to increase the cost of electricity and water by 100 percent.
Political parties in the government, including the Democratic Unionist Party led by Ahmed al-Mirghani, have threatened to resign from the cabinet if the plans are approved. They argue the increases will place a huge burden on citizens.
Observers say the increases could lead to popular protests, as seen in September 2013 when around 700 died in violence after the government increased fuel prices.
Parliament is scheduled to approve the price increases between October 2015 and April 2016.
Political analysts believe parliament will agree to the increases. Most MPs are from the ruling National Congress party and its allies, and are unlikely to deviate from the government's position.
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Parliament is scheduled to approve the price increases between October 2015 and April 2016. |
Al-araby al-Jadeed has seen a copy of a statement issued by Sudan Call, which accuses the government of resorting to economic policies that burden the citizens in times of crisis. It argues for the need to adopt serious policies focused, for example, on ending the various conflicts in the country.
Sudan Call, which includes a variety of political and militant groups, said these conflicts and "excessive" spending on defence and security takes up almost 70 percent of the state budget.
''The government forces citizens to pay the price for its wars, corruption and failure,'' read the statement.
The opposition believes the crisis affecting the country's economy and services will continue.
"We declare a state of general mobilisation and call on all civil and political forces to resist the price increases.
"The regime is weak and isolated, and the Sudanese people can be strong by uniting and rallying behind the major issues,'' said Sudan Call's statement.
Opposition forces also rejected increases in custom duties on wheat imports.
Last week, Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir asked the government to research the proposed price increases for water and electricity.
The ministry of water and electricity, however, argues the increases are needed to guarantee a continued supply after frequent water and electricity shortages.
Many parts of the country including most of the capital Khartoum are experiencing water and electricity rationing. Some areas have been without water for more than a month.
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