Sudan

As protests intensify in Sudan against president Omar al-Bashir, Peoples Dispatch talks to Dr. Fathi Elfad of the Sudanese Communist Party, who was recently released from prison, on the origins of the uprising and the repression unleashed by the state

Bashir will continue as president until the end of his term until 2020 presidential elections, when the ruling NCP will be nominating a different candidate, indicating an foreseeable end to his three decade-long rule

The declaration of emergency, by president al-Bashir, came shortly after a parliamentary committee tasked with scrapping presidential term limits cancelled its meetings.

Ahmed El Kheir, who was arrested by the notorious National Intelligence and Security Service, was reported to have died on February 2. His body showed signs of torture. The news of the death led to renewed agitations against the government of Omar al-Bashir

The regime of Omar al-Bashir has on the one hand made noises about releasing some protesters. It is also trying to effect a compromise with rebels. However, all sections of the opposition are firm in their demand that the Sudanese president step down

There has been a relentless attack on protesters who have been on the streets of Sudan since December 19, demanding the resignation of president Omar al-Bashir. Last week, hospitals and schools were also attacked