Security Forces Fire Tear Gas at Anti-Government Protesters in Khartoum

Security forces fired tear gas to disperse protesters marching toward the presidential palace in Khartoum on January 17, Al Jazeera reported.

The demonstrations, which have been going on for weeks, were sparked by rising prices and calls for President Omar al-Bashir to resign. They began in December and have led to crackdowns, with security forces using tear gas and live ammunition against demonstrators.

Most recently, three protesters were killed in anti-government demonstrations in Omdurman on January 9, the Sudan News Agency reported.

Officials estimated that 24 people had been killed in the protests since December 27; however, an Amnesty International report put that figure at more than 40.

President Omar al-Bashir has been in power since 1989. On January 14, he reiterated that he would not step down, despite the violent protests.

A constitutional amendment proposed this month would allow him to retain his position past the end of his term in 2020. Credit: @Mars7_10 via Storyful