New rallies in Sudan to protest the deteriorating economic situation

Sudanese protesters took to the streets of the capital, Khartoum, and other cities across Sudan on Thursday, amid growing anger over a military coup in October and a sharp rise in electricity, fuel and bread prices since then.

Billions of dollars in foreign aid from Western countries and international financial institutions were suspended after the October 25 coup.

An official with the United Nations World Food Program told Reuters that nearly half of Sudan's population suffers from severe hunger, double the estimate last year.

Sometimes the prices of food and other vital commodities rise throughout the day.

The protest movement gained new momentum as citizens felt the brunt of the sharp and rapid rise in energy and food prices, while the local currency lost a quarter of its value.

"Living conditions are unbearable, to the point of hunger and the inability to afford treatment or education," said doctor Alaa Ahmed, 24, as she participated in a protest march in Khartoum.

"The economic situation is catastrophic. The army has impoverished Sudan... We will remain in the streets to oust them," said protester Adel Osman, 55.

Thursday's demonstrations are the third and largest this week in the capital.

There were also reports of rallies in Port Sudan, Gedaref, Atbara, Nyala and other areas, according to footage on social media.

Protesters' marches in Khartoum reached a distance of 400 meters from the presidential palace, defying heavy tear gas.

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