Sudan plans to privatise army-owned companies 'soon'

Talks with Middle East nations to fund its cash-strapped economy have begun, finance minister says

Sudan has been rocked by violent protests in response to the October 25 military takeover by army chief Gen Abdel Fattah Al Burhan. EPA

Sudan plans to privatise companies owned by the military, Finance Minister Gibril Ibrahim says.

Also, talks with Middle East nations to help finance its cash-strapped economy have begun, Mr Ibrahim said at the annual meetings of the Islamic Development Bank in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt.

“All commercial companies will be put up for public subscription, except for companies that produce weapons,” Mr Ibrahim told Bloomberg. "And that will be soon."

The government is on track to shut many of the country’s 650 state-owned companies and privatise others, he said.

The privatisation move would keep to a series of proposed reforms suggested after a popular uprising ousted Omar Al Bashir in 2019.

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  Sudanese protesters rally in Kartoum against military rule on the anniversary of previous popular uprisings. AFP

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  Pro-democracy activists have warned of a people power 'earthquake of April 6' - a momentous day in Sudan's history that was key in bringing down earlier strongmen. AFP

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  In 1985, the day saw the removal of former president Jaafar Nimeiri following a popular uprising. AFP

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  In 2019 it marked the start of a mass sit-in outside army headquarters, after months of protests against Omar Al Bashir's three decades in power. AFP

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  The rallies have been met with the deployment of thousands of police across the Sudanese capital. AFP

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  Wednesday's protesters braved unforgiving heat and, for many, also the hunger and thirst of the dawn-to-dusk fast Muslims observe during the holy month of Ramadan. AP Photo

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  At least 92 protesters have been killed and about 3,000 injured since a crackdown against opposition. AP Photo

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  US State Department spokesman Ned Price called on Sudan's military rulers on Tuesday to allow peaceful protests 'to continue without fear of violence'. AP Photo

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  Most Sudanese are unable to make ends meet in the face of rising prices of essential food items and fuel. AP Photo

Sudan has been rocked by violent protests that began across much of the country in response to the October 25 military takeover by army chief Gen Abdel Fattah Al Burhan.

On Friday, one protester died after being shot in the chest by security forces as thousands swarmed the streets of the capital Khartoum, taking the total death toll to 99.

The minister’s comments come as the military leaders prepare to hold direct talks with civilian politicians and activists next week for the first time since the takeover.

Sudan is seeking funding after decisions by the US, the EU and the World Bank to suspend billions of dollars in assistance.

“There are talks with Gulf countries such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar,” Mr Ibrahim said. “We hope that these talks yield results. It is difficult to talk about specific amounts.”

The three countries recently pledged more than $20 billion in investments and deposits to support Egypt.