Sudan protesters inspired by Algerians' 'toppling' of Bouteflika

Leaders of Sudan’s ongoing protests have welcomed Algerian President Bouteflika’s resignation following months of protests, hoping that Sudan President Omar al-Bashir’s turn will come soon.

The organisers of the protests who have been mobilising for anti-government demonstrations in the East African country have described the resignation as an “achievement.”

This is "a very positive achievement," Sarah Abdel-Jaleel, a spokeswoman for the Sudanese Professionals Association, told The Associated Press on Wednesday.

Putting an end to Bouteflika’s rule is showing the "success of peaceful resistance within Africa," Abdel-Jaleel said.

It "definitely gives us all hope and reassurance that we must continue," she said.

Sudan has been shaken by almost daily protests since mid-December demanding longtime ruler al-Bashir to step down.

Al-Bashir, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court for war crimes allegations in Darfur, refused to cede to pressure from Sudanese protesters.

He responded to the demonstrations with a heavy-handed crackdown coupled with a state of emergency being declared on 22 February.

Al-Bashir is supported by many Arab countries who fear the dissent could spread in the region.

Last month, Sudan received a $300-million loan from the Arab Monetary Fund to tackle its foreign currency crisis.

In the March Arab League summit, held in Tunisia, Arab leaders expressed their solidarity in a public statement with a number of politically and socially volatile Arab and Muslim countries, including Sudan.