Sudan's parliament approved a six-month state of emergency on Monday, reducing the initial one-year term mandated by President Omar al-Bashir to quell ongoing protests against his administration.
Speaker of Parliament Ibrahim Ahmed Omer confirmed the decision following a vote, citing a majority approval of the revised measure. The emergency was initially declared on February 22 after security forces failed to suppress demonstrations that began in December over economic grievances.
Protests erupted on December 19 after the government tripled bread prices, sparking nationwide rallies that analysts describe as the most significant challenge to Bashir's 30-year rule. At least 31 fatalities have been reported by officials, with Human Rights Watch documenting 51 deaths, including medics and children.
A parliamentary committee had recommended the six-month extension over the original one-year term. The National Congress Party, which holds a majority in parliament, endorsed the proposal after deliberations.
