Sudan’s Sovereign Council on Thursday ordered the immediate closure of its borders with Libya and the Central African Republic (CAR).

In a statement, the council said that the order was issued at a joint meeting held in the state’s capital Nyala by the council with the government of South Darfur state. Intelligence and police chiefs were in attendance

The council justified the decision with what it termed as “security and economic risks.’’

The council also instructed the officials to end the security disturbances, reactivate the joint work among the regular forces in South Darfur state and intensify arms collecting operations.

Since Sept. 20, South Darfur state’s capital Nyala has been witnessing popular protests against food and fuel crisis, lack of justice and continued security disturbances.