Prices Produce Protests

UNCLAS KHARTOUM 002009 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPT FOR AF/SPG, AF/EPS AND EB/IFD DEPT PLEASE PASS USAID FOR AFR E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ECON PGOV EAID EPET PREL SU SUBJECT: Prices Produce Protests Ref: Khartoum 2007 ¶1. Summary: Opposition parties have reacted vocally to the move by the Minister of Finance to raise fuel and sugar prices. Opposition members of the National Assembly have called for the Assembly to be recalled from its summer recess. Some groups are calling for civil action, most likely in the form of a stay home strike on Saturday, August 26. The NCP is rallying its members to support the price increases and, at the same time, reject the US-UK plan for UN peacekeepers in Darfur. End Summary. Opposition Parties Condemn Price Increases -------------- ¶2. The Minister of Finance announced increases in the price for gasoline, diesel and sugar on August 17 (reftel). In reaction, opposition parties have voiced their criticism of the government. The SPLM, although a member of the Government of National Unity (GNU),quickly spoke out against the increases claiming that it was not even consulted, in spite of the Minister of Finance's statement that the increase was passed by the Council of Ministers. ¶3. The Umma, the Popular Congress, the Baathist, the Nasirists and the Communist parties all opposed the price increases. Some of these parties are currently circulating hand-outs among the people calling for civil action and suggesting that the public not go to work as an expression of protest to the increases. The NDA in spite of their participation in the GNU, opposed the increases and threatened to withdraw from the GNU if the government does not reverse its decision ¶4. Public transportation was disrupted by the increase in fuel prices. Some transport companies increased tickets prices while others stopped operating temporarily. As a result, bus terminals were congested and commuters delayed. NCP to Meet -------------- ¶5. The NCP called for an urgent meeting of party officials on August 23, to discuss the price increases as well as the US-UK proposal of deployment of international troops in Darfur. The meeting of the NCP leading officials will be attended by the NCP parliamentary members in a step to mobilize them to support the price increases and to support President Bashir in his rejection of the "foreign intervention" in Darfur. HUME