Riots hit at Numeiri
Socialist Press1979 1979-08-22Read it in the scan (PDF), scan page 3 →
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of the Sudan, is one of the world's most skillful political operators.
At present he needs every ounce of that skill to rescue him from a dangerous political crisis in the Sudan and to maintain his place as head of the largest country in Africa.
Numeiri's latest problems have stemmed from the IMF's demands for 'strengthening' the capitalist economy of the Sudan. Last summer this produced a devaluation of the pound which boosted inflation.
This summer, Numeiri cut subsidies on several essential commodities and so brought about increases of one-third in the price of sugar, and two-thirds in the price of petrol.
These moves led to wide. spread rioting and loud semands for the president's resurator Forced to retreat slightly or me price of petrol, Numeiri reactea with changes in his government.
Major Abul Gasim was removed from his posts as Vice-President and Secretary-General of the Sudanese Socialist Union (created by Numeiri as the sole legal party after the army coup which brought him to power in 1969).
Into his place has stepped Gen. Abdul Magid Khalil, the Defence Minister-a move that clearly indicates Numeiri's intentions of relying more heavily on the army to bolster up his regime and crush the mass protests.
Although they have scarcely treated him with consideration ok generosity, Numeiri has always been a faithful friend to the imperialists-even to the extent of supporting their armed invasion of Zaire last year.
As the strikes spread, and the demonstrations and riots continue in Khartoum and Omdurman, Numeiri is no Joubt bending his thoughts to mee neatenal sponsors and 55J 5m-si assistance they can give him.
Such reflections are not likely to increase his optimism and confidence.