The Committee for Justice (CFJ) has documented ongoing protests by employees of the Sudan Standards and Metrology Authority in Port Sudan for the fifth consecutive day, as protesters continue to close the Authority’s offices at both the state and national levels over demands related to the implementation of a prior agreement concerning appointments within the institution.
According to local sources, the protests were sparked by demands to implement an agreement stipulating the appointment of 35 individuals from Eastern Sudan to the Standards and Metrology Authority—an agreement that has yet to be enforced—leading to escalating tensions between protesters and the Authority’s administration.
Available information indicates that a meeting was held last week involving the Red Sea State Governor, security officials, representatives of the Authority, and members of the sit‑in committee. However, the meeting failed to yield any tangible progress toward resolving the crisis or reaching an understanding that would end the ongoing protests.
The head of the sit‑in committee, Al‑Malik Issa Al‑Kasser, stated that protesters have decided to continue their protest actions and are considering expanding them in the coming period, citing the continued lack of response to their demands. He held both local authorities and the Authority’s administration responsible for the consequences of the prolonged crisis.
These protests are taking place amid politically and security‑sensitive conditions in Port Sudan, raising concerns over the potential repercussions of continued escalation on essential services and vital facilities in the city should the stalemate persist.
CFJ called on the relevant authorities and the administration of the Standards and Metrology Authority to take urgent action to address the root causes of the protest, honor and implement existing agreements, and engage in a serious and transparent dialogue to resolve the crisis in a manner that safeguards rights and prevents further escalation. The committee also emphasized the importance of respecting the right to peaceful protest and avoiding security measures that could worsen the situation.