Confirmation of fuel subsidy cuts by the Sudanese government on 23 September 2013 sparked civilian outrage.
This decision was the result of crude oil revenue loss, owing to South Sudan's secession from Sudan, and US economic sanctions due to war crimes overseen by Sudan's President al-Bashir in Darfur.
After decades of unrest and war, South Sudan seceded from Sudan in 2011 taking with them over 75% of Sudan’s crude oil fields. Despite the secession, disputes over oil production and shipping continued between the two governments, with accusations of oil looting and threats of fuel shutdown. Fuel insecurity in Sudan resulted in the economy becoming unstable, as fuel exports comprised a significant proportion of the country’s revenue.
Social unrest on the border of the Sudan and South Sudan was further intensified by the civil rebellion against Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir’s 24-year rule. Hundreds of thousands in Sudan’s South Kordofan and Blue Nile states1 were displaced, and faced severe food and water shortages as the Sudanese government dropped scatter bombs on the civilian population.
Along with announcing fuel subsidy cuts, the Sudanese cabinet raised the US dollar exchange rate for imports with talk of lifting subsidies on wheat. Inflation rates stood at double-digit figures and the Sudanese pound was in a state of free-fall. In 2012, tax hikes as well as fuel and sugar subsidy scale-backs were introduced as part of an austerity package. Having lived in fear and instability for decades, the inability to access to fuel triggered outbursts of dissatisfaction by the people.
The demonstrations started in Sudan’s central state of Gezira in September 2013, quickly spreading to Khartoum, Omdurman, Darfur and Eastern Sudan. Protestors were labelled as 'outlaws' by Sudan’s information minister and government spokesperson. The Sudanese authorities responded with tear gas and firing live bullets, as the fuel price hike demonstrations turned into anti-government protests2. Many protestors died with gunshot wounds to the head and chest.
Food shortages, fuel shortages, government, inflation, poverty, subsidies, unrest, water shortages.
Hundreds die in fuel price hike protests - PDF
1South Kordofan and Blue Nile are states most affected by the rebels as the two states are located at the border of North and South Sudan.
2Protestors' chants included 'The people want the fall of the regime! Freedom, freedom!'