December 10, 2024 (PORT SUDAN) - Sudanese citizens flocked to banks on Tuesday to deposit their 1,000 and 500 Sudanese pound notes as a central bank currency exchange program kicked off in seven of the country's 18 states, amid opposition from the rival Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The initiative, which runs until December 23, aims to replace the old banknotes with new ones. However, it has been hampered by the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese army and the RSF, which controls significant territory, including the capital, Khartoum. Long queues formed outside banks in the Red Sea, Kassala, Gedaref, River Nile, Northern, White Nile states, and the Blue Nile region, where the program is being implemented. 'We are fully prepared to receive deposits and open new accounts for citizens,' a statement from the Omdurman National Bank said, reflecting similar assurances from other banks. Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Sudan Mohamed Osman accompanied members of the Currency Exchange Committee on inspections of banks in Port Sudan. Authorities in other participating states also monitored the process. The central bank announced new restrictions on cash withdrawals, setting a daily limit of 200,000 pounds and cancelling previous exemptions granted to various institutions. However, …

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