Sudan's Bashir orders release of political prisoners

Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir. He has ordered release of all political traders in the country. AFP PHOTO | ASHRAF SHAZLY 

In Summary

• President Bashir says the move is to allow everyone a chance to participate in solving the country's problems.
• Khartoum has for several weeks cracked down on dissidents protesting the economic and governance woes.
• The country is facing a combination of economic meltdown and rebellion in different parts.

By JOSEPH ODUHA
More by this Author

Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir Tuesday ordered all political prisoners released.

The Sudan News Agency (Suna) quoted President Bashir saying the move was to give everyone a chance to participate in solving the country's problems.

The release of political prisoners "comes to strengthen the spirit of reconciliation and national harmony and peace, which emerged from the national dialogue, both political and community," Suna said.

Sudan is facing a combination of economic meltdown and rebellion in different parts.

The country's revues from oil fell drastically following the secession of South Sudan in 2011.

Khartoum has for several weeks cracked down on dissidents protesting the economic and governance woes.

Related Content

• Sudan charges ex-PM of plotting 'regime overthrow'
• Khartoum warns Juba against supporting rebels

President Bashir, who came to power in 1989, has ruthlessly dealt with dissents, whose resistance has nevertheless persisted.

He faces an arrest warrant by International Criminal Court (ICC) for war crimes, genocide and crimes against humanity committed in Western Sudan's Darfur.