FILE - In this June 14, 2015 file photo, Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir smiles during a visit to Johannesburg, South Africa. Sudan's state news agency said Tuesday, April 10, 2018, that President Omar al-Bashir ordered the release of all political prisoners, effective immediately, as part of national dialogue efforts. The report carried by SUNA on Tuesday did not say how many individuals would be released, but said the move came in the spirit of "reconciliation, national harmony and peace." (AP Photo/Shiraaz Mohamed, File)
Republished April 10, 2018 - 10:08 AM
Original Publication Date April 10, 2018 - 8:51 AM
CAIRO - Sudan's President Omar al-Bashir ordered the immediate release of all political prisoners on Tuesday as part of national dialogue efforts, the state news agency said.
The report carried by SUNA did not say how many individuals would be released, but said the move came in the spirit of "reconciliation, national harmony and peace."
It said the release "opens the door to participation of all political forces" to discuss the country's issues.
Opposition figures in Sudan are regularly detained, and parties who opposes al-Bashir face numerous state obstacles.
Sudan is grappling with a currency crisis and hyperinflation that has stoked discontent, although public demonstrations are effectively banned and regularly quashed by security forces.
Protests erupted in Khartoum and other parts of the country in January after the government slashed subsidies and devalued the local currency, measures aimed at strengthening the battered economy. Hundreds of people were detained in those and subsequent protests, though some were later released.
The International Criminal Court has accused al-Bashir of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes in Darfur during fighting since 2003.
News from © The Associated Press, 2018