Khartoum lifts fuel subsidies, opposition strongly condemns decision

The National Congress decided to lift all subsidies on gasoline and fuel oil. The decision, made in a meeting on Friday led by President al-Bashir, implies a rise in the prices of goods sold in the markets of Sudan. The opposition parties have condemned the decision of the ruling party of Sudan. They argue that higher costs will affect Sudanese citizens who are already suffering from high living costs. The parties say the decision will negatively impact the transport of agricultural crops as it relies heavily on the availability of affordable fuel. Spokesman of the Communist Party, Siddiq Yousuf, said in an interview with Radio Dabanga that the National Congress ‘wants the citizen to pay the bill of war and cover the costs of a corrupt regime’. He argued that the decision directly affects the price of bread, meat and vegetables. Yousuf called on the Sudanese people to demonstrate against the decision. He added that the ‘only solution for better living conditions in Sudan is to topple the regime in Khartoum’. The National Congress’ decision confirms the ‘economic failure of the Khartoum government’ said Kamal Omar Abdel-Salam, secretary of the Popular Congress party. Abdel-Salam is convinced the new policy on gasoline and fuel will cause great food insecurity among the Sudanese population.He called upon the citizens to go out on the streets to reject the decision ‘and oust the ruling party of Sudan’.