President Bashir declares state of emergency in Sudan

State of Emergency declared in Sudan. President Omar al-Bashir declared emergency on Friday. Sudan has been gripped by nationwide protests since 19 December.

Khartoum: Sudan President Omar al-Bashir on Friday declared a state of emergency for a year and disbanded the government.

Al-Bashir – who seized power in a 1989 coup – also said that for now, he would not change the constitution to allow himself to seek a third term in office.

Facing genocide charges, al-Bashir's rule has been rocked by civil wars and increasing street demonstrations.

The state of emergency will give the security forces a free hand in cracking down on protesters and carrying out detentions, and places heavier restrictions on the media and opposition parties.

Sudan has been gripped by nationwide protests since 19 December.

The demonstrations, which show no sign of abating, were triggered by rising prices and shortages but quickly turned to calls for al-Bashir to step down.

Al-Bashir's term ends in 2020 and he has repeatedly promised over the years not to make new runs for the presidency.

Without amending the constitution, he can't run for a third term.

His announcement came days after a parliamentary committee tasked with amending the constitution to scrap presidential term limit cancelled its meetings.