Sudan protests biggest threat yet to Bashir: analysts

– Uncertain future –

The protests are the biggest challenge Bashir has faced, according to Tijani.

“The demonstrations have weakened his position,” he said. “President Bashir was about to get consitutional amendments to permit him to run for the presidency again in 2020, but he will now have to reconsider that.”

Reeves said even middle and lower ranking army officers are “generally appalled” at the country’s economic and political situation.

“Some openly side with the demonstrators,” he said.

About 22 political groups close to the government have asked for Bashir to step down.

Although a change of regime is still unlikely in the immediate future, a European diplomat said Bashir will now be under permanent pressure.

“The decisive factor will be the attitude of the security apparatus, especially the army,” the diplomat said on condition of anonymity.

“If the repression becomes too harsh, the army won’t allow it and that’s why the current movement of protests is potentially momentous.”

Bashir and his government have no answers to Sudan’s economic problems, said Reeves.

“He faces open and growing popular opposition … all this makes Bashir’s future highly uncertain,” he said.