Opposition leader says revolution coming to Sudan

KHARTOUM, Sudan, Oct. 4 (UPI) -- Revolution may be coming to Sudan if the current administration of Omar al-Bashir maintains its grip on power, a member of the opposition said.

Bashir's government in Khartoum came under fire for a crackdown on protesters frustrated with last month's decision to cut fuel subsidies. At least 50 Sudanese civilians were killed allegedly by government forces during the effort to quiet demonstrations.

Hassan al-Turabi, leader of the opposition Popular Congress Party, told al-Arabiya it was time for Bashir to step down.

"We know that the revolution is coming if they continue clinging into power," he said in an interview published Thursday. "We must not allow the unrest in the country to develop into an armed conflict."

The United Nations this week called on the government to either charge or release the estimated 800 demonstrators and journalists detained during the late September protests.

"If [the administration] accepts advice, they have to peacefully leave," Turabi said.

Bashir denied his forces were responsible for the deaths reported during September demonstrations. The independent Sudan Tribune Friday said the government issued a decree raising the minimum wage in the country.