Sudan’s embattled President Omar al-Bashir has vowed to introduce some “real reforms” even as trade unions and professional associations plan a mass rally in the capital, Khartoum, asking him to step down.
In his first public comments since the anti-government protests began in Atbara city seven days ago, Bashir on Monday warned the protesters to not respond to attempts “at sowing discord” in the country.
The demonstrations are the biggest in several years against Bashir’s 29-year rule, with protesters enraged over rising prices, shortage of basic goods and a cash crisis.
Al Jazeera’s Hassan Haj Ali, professor of political science at the University of Khartoum, talks to Al Jazeera about the chances of real change coming as a result of the protest movement.