The Sudanese government says the country is on the point of running out of essential medicines, fuel and wheat.

The cabinet said that while disaffected eastern tribes had some valid grievances, their two-week blockade of Sudan’s main port was harming the whole population.

It promised to work on a solution to the economic and political marginalisation of eastern Sudan and urged the protesters to join in talks.

Sudan was already facing shortages, stemming from the economic upheaval caused by the overthrow of President Omar al-Bashir, in 2019.