Sudan activists say thousands protest in Darfur over economy

CAIRO – Sudanese activists say thousands of people are protesting dire economic conditions in the western province of Darfur. They’re also protesting against chronic security issues and for removing all provincial governors.

Monday’s street demonstrations were reported by the Sudanese Professionals’ Association. That group spearheaded nationwide protests that led to the military’s ouster of former President Omar al-Bashir in April.

The SPA says the protests were in South Darfur’s provincial capital, Nyala.

This is one of the biggest demonstrations since a power-sharing deal was signed between the military and the pro-democracy movement in August.

The SPA says security forces on Sunday dispersed student protests in Nyala using tear gas.

Food and fuel shortages had triggered the protests against al-Bashir in December.

Al-Bashir’s forces brutally suppressed a rebellion in Darfur in the 2000s.