400 pharmacies were closed in Khartoum in response to the call for strike which was partially carried out by dozens of pharmacists in Sudan from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on Saturday through Sunday. The pharmacists, however, continue their work in emergency pharmacies as expression of support for recent demonstrations.

The Sudanese Central Pharmacists Committee announced in a statement published on Sudan Tribune website the closure of 400 pharmacies in Khartoum and Gedarif in the eastern country in response to the call for a strike in support for the demonstrations that lasted for three weeks in Sudan. The Central Committee of Pharmacists on its official page on Facebook condemned the killing of demonstrators and the storming of hospitals and emergency Sections while the country suffers from lack of some types of life-saving medicines in addition to the high prices during the past months, which contributed to the outbreak of such demonstrations.

Demonstrations broke out on 19 December in a number of States due to rising commodity prices and a worsening economic situation. Demonstrations continued for three weeks, with the main demand being to topple the regime and oust President Al Bashir.

Article 40 (1) of the Interim Constitution of 2005 guarantees the right to peaceful assembly: The right to peaceful assembly shall be guaranteed; every person shall have the right to freedom of association with others, including the right to form or join political parties, associations and trade or professional unions for the protection of his/her interests”.

Source: Sudantrubian