Price increases set off protests in Khartoum

University students and police clashed in Khartoum when students took to the streets in angry demonstrations protesting big price increases for sugar, gasoline, and other consumer goods.

Riot police used tear gas in a futile attempt to disperse stone-throwing students, who shouted slogans denouncing Sudanese President Jaafar al-Nimeiry's economic austerity program.

Schools were ordered closed indefinitely after students rioted in the capital Monday, burning shops and cars and stoning gas stations. All shops were closed and gas stations were heavily guarded by police and the Army.