Protesters in northern Sudan blocked a major commercial highway on Sunday, stepping up pressure on Port Sudan junta government over worsening electricity cuts during intense summer heat.
Dozens of demonstrators shut down the Dongola-Wadi Halfa road near Abri, disrupting truck traffic between Sudan and Egypt, according to local sources.
The highway is a key trade route across the desert border, regularly used by heavy commercial vehicles transporting goods between the two countries.
Sources said buses and passenger vehicles were still allowed to pass, reducing disruption for travellers while keeping pressure on officials.
The protest comes after similar demonstrations last month, when residents briefly blocked the same road in response to repeated power outages.
Demonstrators said the protest remained peaceful and warned against any attempt by security forces to reopen the highway by force.
They also called on authorities to end what they described as a “burdensome” electricity rationing system imposed during soaring temperatures.
Northern Sudan is facing severe electricity shortages as temperatures approach 44 degrees Celsius during the harsh summer season.
Sudan’s electricity company estimates that repairing the country’s damaged power sector will cost nearly $1.7 billion following widespread destruction during the war.
Around 30 major power stations in Khartoum were damaged or looted during the conflict, worsening an already severe electricity crisis across the country.
Officials estimate maintenance costs for thermal power plants in Qari, Bahri and Umm Dabakir alone at about $22 million.
Economic analysts warn that electricity shortages could continue as Sudan struggles with funding shortages and heavily damaged infrastructure.
