27 Dead in Sudan Protests | WPN World People News

Medical officials in Sudan say at least 27 people died in protests that broke out after the Khartoum government decided to cut fuel subsidies.

The protesters were killed during clashes with security forces. Police fired tear gas at stone-throwing demonstrators who blocked roads and set buildings on fire.

Some protesters called for the ouster of President Omar al-Bashir, who has ruled Sudan since seizing power in 1989.

The protests began on Monday after the government announced it was suspending fuel subsidies in a bid to help the economy. On Sunday, President Bashir had said the subsidies had reached a level that was "dangerous" for Sudan's economy.

The suspension caused a sharp rise in fuel prices, angering many citizens who took to the streets in protest.

Sudan's fuel crisis began after South Sudan became independent in 2011. The new nation took about three-quarters of Sudan's crude oil production.

The United States urged calm on Wednesday as the U.S. embassy in Khartoum called on all sides to avoid further violence and to respect civil liberties.

Source: Voice of America