Sudan’s Parliament Approves Six Month State of Emergency

The parliament of Sudan has approved a state of emergency for a period of six months from February 22. A period of one year had been requested by President Omar al-Bashir following deadly protests since mid-December.

The protests were initially sparked when government raised the price of bread three-fold. However, they have subsequently become more broadly focused on opposition to al-Bashir’s government.

According to Human Rights Watch at least 51 people have died as a result of the protests and government crackdown.