KHARTOUM, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- The authorities of Sudan's capital Khartoum on Friday announced suspension of classes at all schools in Khartoum State until further notice, citing increasing protests in the country.
The classes were suspended at all "high and basic schools and kindergartens," both national and foreign syllabuses, as of Dec. 23 until further notice, said the education authorities in a press release.
The decision came at a time when various areas in Sudan, including Khartoum, are witnessing popular protests against the deteriorating economic conditions and price hikes of basic commodities.
Earlier in the day, the Sudanese government said it would not tolerate any acts of sabotage or violations of the law during popular protests against economy woes.
"The police and security forces have dealt with the demonstrations in the country in a civilized manner without repressing or obstructing them as the citizens were exercising a right guaranteed by the constitution," Bushara Gumaa Aro, Sudan's information minister and government spokesman, said in a statement.
However, "the peaceful protests swerved off track and transformed by infiltrators into sabotage activity targeting public institutions and properties," he added.
Some political forces attempted to undermine security and stability to achieve their political agenda, Aro noted.
According to government officials, at least eight protesters were killed in Sudan's eastern state of Gadarif and northern city of Atbara.
