Sudan: Pressure Mounts on Bashir As Calls For Political Transition Grow

By Staff, Agencies

Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir came under mounting pressure Tuesday as three Western countries pushed for a political transition plan following weeks of protests against his rule.

Bashir, who has ruled Sudan with an iron fist since sweeping to power in a coup in 1989, has been battling the biggest challenge of his 30-year-old reign since December when demonstrations erupted against his government.

Thousands of angry protesters chanting “overthrow, overthrow,” have taken to the streets of the capital and towns and villages across the country, blaming the veteran leader for the nation’s worsening economic crisis.

But the protest movement reached its peak Saturday when the protesters braved volleys of tear gas to reach the country’s army headquarters, urging the military’s top brass to back them.

Protesters late Tuesday were preparing to camp out for a fourth night in a row at the complex, which also houses Bashir’s residence, singing revolutionary songs and anti-government slogans.

Soldiers meanwhile foiled repeated attempts by the feared National Intelligence and Security Service agents to disperse the demonstrators with tear gas, witnesses said.