Sudan’s DUP spokesperson resigns over party’s position on economic measures

October 1, 2013 (KHARTOUM) – The spokesperson for the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) led by Mohamed Osman Al-Mirghani, Ibrahim Al-Mirghani, has resigned his post protesting his party’s position from the recent popular protests against the government new economic measures.

Last week, violent clashes erupted between the demonstrators and security forces in different parts of the Sudan following the government’s decision to remove fuel subsidies leading to at least 33 deaths according to official figures and more than a 150 according to activists and opposition.

Sudanese authorities said they arrested 700 in connection with the riots and denied using live ammunition against protesters. They accused outside elements of firing at the demonstrators.

The DUP, which sealed a political partnership with the ruling National Congress Party (NCP) in December 2011 and was granted several posts in the cabinet, initially announced its support to the economic measures aiming to bridge a widening budget gap.

But later the DUP leadership commission issued statement demanding reinstating the fuel subsidies calling it unjustified and will serve to exacerbate the suffering of the Sudanese.

It further hinted to the possibility of withdrawing from the government led by the National Congress Party (NCP) but has yet to make a decision.

The DUP chief Mohamed Osman Al-Mirghani abruptly left for London last month seeking medical treatment, his aides said.

(ST)