Civil Disobedience Day on 19 December has created a widespread sense of expectation in what could be the biggest show of opposition since the government shot dead over 200 demonstrators in September 2013. 'Huge preparations are under way', one civil society organisation leader exiled in Uganda told us. Civic activists, the Sudan Call alliance and political parties all back a movement that is lead largely by youngsters on social media. A three-day trial run last month emptied the capital's streets during working hours. Driven by popular opposition to new taxes on food and basic commodities, protests are expected to spread, especially in towns such as Atbara and Wad Medani. 'The country is in ruins', said one doctor, 'People are stretched beyond breaking point'.
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