How the death of a pharmacist in Sudan has fueled anti-government protests
A man holds a Sudanese flag as he chants slogans against the government’s deadly crackdown on people protesting against subsidy cuts late last month, during a demonstration after Friday prayers in north Khartoum
Salah Sanhouri, a Sudanese pharmacist in Khartoum was killed late last month when a protest turned violent. Now his name and photo have become a rallying cry as anti-government protests strike the country.
The protests began two weeks ago, when Sudanese president Omar al-Bashir reduced government subsidies on the price of oil. Overnight the cost of fuel and food prices soared, sparking angry protests against Bashir's government.
Some of those demonstrations have ended in violence. So far, at least 50 protesters have been killed by security forces, including Sanhouri.
According to journalist Isma'il Kushkush, Sanhouri was killed during what began as a peaceful demonstration. In fact according to Kushkush, Sanhouri had called on his friends to remain peaceful during his final march.
"He had advised all his friends not to throw rocks, not to use foul language, not to burn tires or anything like that," said Kushkush.
Still the demonstration between government forces and protestors turned violent and as Sanhouri fled he was shot in the back and killed. His death has since fueled opposition anger.
"That Sanhouri has come from a prominent family, that he was a nice guy, that he was handsome, I think has sparked great interest," said Kushkush. "Some have also compared him to Mohamed Bouazizi, who set himself on fire and ignited the Tunisian revolution."
Since his death a social media campaign, "We are all Salah Sanhouri," and a video tribute to the pharamicist have gone viral online.
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