2011 Omani protests

none November 2020 2011 Omani protests the Arab Spring Lulu Hypermarket Burning.jpg Protesters set Sohar's Lulu Hypermarket ablaze on 28 February 2011. Oman 2011 01 17 yes2011 04 08 yes(01 17 2011 04 08 2011) Ended Oman Omani Protesters Oman Government of Oman Royal Oman Police Royal Army of Oman Royal Guard of Oman Internal Security Service *Salary increases Lower living costs Jobs Less corruptionAssociated Press http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/2/28/apworld/20110228155141&sec=apworld Oman protesters stage third day of unrest The Star 28 February 2011 14 January 2012 Muscat https://web.archive.org/web/20120716161722/http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=%2F2011%2F2%2F28%2Fapworld%2F20110228155141&sec=apworld 16 July 2012 dead *Demonstrations Riots Sit-ins 20Protests escalate across region https://web.archive.org/web/20110301103757/http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/Protests%2Bescalate%2Bacross%2Bregion/4363409/story.html 1 March 2011 , The Gazette (Montreal), 1 March 2011. Retrieved 2011-03-28. 6–10 The 2011 Omani protests (also called the Omani Spring) were a series of protests in Oman that occurred as part of the revolutionary wave popularly known as the "Arab Spring".Oman budget gap rises to $658mn in Q1, spending up https://web.archive.org/web/20160201181718/http://www.brecorder.com/world/global-business-a-economy/19759-oman-budget-gap-rises-to-658mn-in-q1-spending-up.html 1 February 2016 . Business Recorder. (10 July 2011). Retrieved 2012-01-15. The protesters demanded salary increases, lower living costs, the creation of more jobs and a reduction in corruption. Protests in Sohar, Oman's fifth-largest city, centered on the Globe Roundabout.Globe Roundabout – Sohar, Oman | The Middle East Channel https://web.archive.org/web/20110711015914/http://mideast.foreignpolicy.com/photos/2011/03/02/globe_roundabout_sohar_oman 11 July 2011 . Mideast.foreignpolicy.com. Retrieved 2011-03-28. One of the responses of the then Sultan Qaboos bin Said was the dismissal of a third of the governing cabinet.https://www.khaleejtimes.com/region/qaboos-fires-10-ministers Qaboos fires 10 ministers Ravindra Nath Khaleej Times 19 August 2021 21 June 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210621101125/https://www.khaleejtimes.com/region/qaboos-fires-10-ministers live Issues Protesters demanded salary increases and lower costs of living. On 20 February 2011, protesters welcomed a move by the government to increase the minimum wage.Al Jazeera. Headlines. The wage increase targeted Omani workers in the private sector. Public sector Omani employees have received wage increases in the past, but the private sector was so far overlooked. The Government of Oman raised minimum wages for an estimated 150,000 private sector employees to $520 from $364 a month.http://www.france24.com/en/20110226-oman-boosts-student-benefits Oman boosts student benefits France24 26 February 2011 14 January 2012 Agence France-Presse https://web.archive.org/web/20130325131205/http://www.france24.com/en/20110226-oman-boosts-student-benefits 25 March 2013 dead As protests continued in Sohar the demands were still jobs and political reforms. The protesters also want more jobs, freedom of expression, less government control over the media, political reforms, better living conditions, an abolition of taxes and the trial of all ministers. Protesters in Muscat also demanded cabinet ministers not serve more than four years.Al Saleh https://www.reuters.com/article/us-oman-protests-idUSTRE71I0V920110219 Oman protesters call for political reform, pay rise Reuters 19 February 2011 1 March 2011 1 February 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160201181722/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-oman-protests-idUSTRE71I0V920110219 live In several other protests, Omanis furthered their demands by calling for a reduction of foreign workers in order to provide more jobs for Omani citizens by private companies.Pay raise ends walkout by workers at 300 firms in industrial park in Oman Saleh al Shaibany 24 March 2011 https://www.thenationalnews.com/uae/pay-raise-ends-walkout-by-workers-at-300-firms-in-industrial-park-in-oman-1.426337 https://archive.today/20120913163316/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/pay-raise-ends-walkout-by-workers-at-300-firms-in-industrial-park-in-oman live 13 September 2012 The National Anti-government protests Muscat protests About 200 protesters marched on 17 January demanding salary increases and lower costs of living. The protest surprised international observers, who have viewed Oman as a "politically stable and sleepy country."http://www.arabianbusiness.com/oman-protestors-call-for-fight-against-corruption--374524.html Oman protestors call for fight against corruption – Culture & Society ArabianBusiness.com 18 January 2011 29 January 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110222074905/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/oman-protestors-call-for-fight-against-corruption--374524.html 22 February 2011 live Renewed protests termed as the Green March,http://www.timesofoman.com/innercat.asp?detail=41806&rand=uVGjVlZjQUKJ2MN73tEvK9Y92v Public petition: People awaiting response Fahad Al Ghadani Times of Oman 26 February 2011 1 March 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110717060358/http://www.timesofoman.com/innercat.asp?detail=41806&rand=uVGjVlZjQUKJ2MN73tEvK9Y92v 17 July 2011 dead occurred on 18 February,Spinner Jackie http://www.slate.com/id/2285656/ Middle East protests: Oman's peaceful anti-corruption march Slate 18 February 2011 19 February 2011 7 September 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110907093001/http://www.slate.com/id/2285656 live inspired by the serious unrest in fellow Persian Gulf state Bahrain. 350 people took part in the march, demanding an end to corruption and better distribution of oil revenue. The protesters also carried signs with slogans of support for the Sultan.http://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2011/02/19/Oman-protests-peaceful-so-far/UPI-96551298131400/ Oman protests peaceful so far United Press International 19 February 2011 2 December 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20181202070653/https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2011/02/19/Oman-protests-peaceful-so-far/UPI-96551298131400/ live Police did not intervene in the gathering, and later after the protest took place, Sayyid Ali bin Hamoud bin Ali Al Busaidi, minister of the Diwan of Royal Court, announced that he had handed over the petition calling for reforms submitted by those who participated in the Green March to Sultan Qaboos bin Said.http://www.timesofoman.com/innercat.asp?detail=41806&rand=uVGjVlZjQUKJ2MN73tEvK9Y92v Public petition: People awaiting response Fahad Al Ghadani Times of Oman 26 February 2011 1 March 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110717060358/http://www.timesofoman.com/innercat.asp?detail=41806&rand=uVGjVlZjQUKJ2MN73tEvK9Y92v 17 July 2011 dead On 1 March, about 50 protesters held a sit-in as well outside the Consultative Assembly to demand political reform and an end to corruption.Abouzeid Rania http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,2057061,00.html?xid=rss-mostpopular https://web.archive.org/web/20110629023501/http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,2057061,00.html?xid=rss-mostpopular dead 29 June 2011 Oman: Greetings from the Mideast's Relaxed Revolution Time 1 March 2011 6 March 2011Sunil K. Vaidya http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/oman/peaceful-protests-in-oman-gather-steam-as-more-join-1.771606 Peaceful protests in Oman gather steam as more join Gulf News 4 March 2011 6 March 2011 7 March 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110307005633/http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/oman/peaceful-protests-in-oman-gather-steam-as-more-join-1.771606 live The group later grew to over 400 people.Rejimon K. http://www.zawya.com/story.cfm/sidZAWYA20110301074616 Demonstrators rally at Majlis Al Shura Zawya 1 March 2011 6 March 2011 18 July 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110718153236/http://www.zawya.com/story.cfm/sidZAWYA20110301074616 live Protesters also continued to demand the Consultative Assembly be turned into a "real parliament." The protests were reported to be "peaceful, well-organised and very disciplined." Tents had been set up with separate accommodations for men and women. Placards with protest slogans had also been translated into English, French and German for the international media. On 2 April, dozens of protesters staged a sit-in in Muscat, outside the chief prosecutor's office, to demand probes into alleged state abuses after clashes with security forces a day earlier. Sohar protests On 26 February, nearly 500 protesters gathered around a shopping mall in the industrial city of Sohar, 230 kilometres from the capital Muscat.http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/02/201122620711831600.html Oman shuffles cabinet amid protests – Middle East Al Jazeera English 1 March 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110228142654/http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/02/201122620711831600.html 28 February 2011 live The protesters stopped traffic and shoppers around the mall premises. The shops in the area including the mall remained closed on 27 February as well.http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/oman/sit-in-in-sohar-town-forces-hypermarkets-to-close-down-1.768284 Sit-in in Sohar town forces hypermarkets to close down Gulf News 26 February 2011 1 March 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110301153753/http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/oman/sit-in-in-sohar-town-forces-hypermarkets-to-close-down-1.768284 1 March 2011 live On 27 February, protesters returned in Sohar for a second day, hurling stones at security forces who had cordoned them off.https://www.reuters.com/article/oman-protests-idUSLDE71Q04I20110227 Oman police clash with stone-throwing protesters Reuters 27 February 2011 27 February 2011 1 February 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160201181719/http://www.reuters.com/article/oman-protests-idUSLDE71Q04I20110227 live The Royal Oman Police eventually used tear gas and rubber bullets to contain and disperse the protesters. According to witnesses, two protesters were killed.https://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5gh9egWT30AUKwD6gzNoIxvkoqFMg?docId=6083540 The Canadian Press: Omani protesters stage third day of anti-government unrest, latest in Gulf region 1 March 2011 3 March 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110303135336/https://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5gh9egWT30AUKwD6gzNoIxvkoqFMg?docId=6083540 dead http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/02/2011227112850852905.html Deaths in Oman protests – Middle East Al Jazeera English 1 March 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110228234440/http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/02/2011227112850852905.html 28 February 2011 livehttps://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12590588 Oman clashes: Two killed during protests in Gulf state BBC 8 February 2011 1 March 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110228081115/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12590588 28 February 2011 live On 28 February, protesters looted and burned a hypermarket in Sohar.http://www.telegraphindia.com/1110303/jsp/nation/story_13661334.jsp https://web.archive.org/web/20110305022805/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1110303/jsp/nation/story_13661334.jsp dead 5 March 2011 Jitters over attack on Indian mall in Oman The Telegraph Calcutta 1 March 1999 6 March 2011 The demonstrators also blocked the entrance to Sohar port, where 160,000 barrels of oil derived products are exported.http://www.rttnews.com/Content/GeneralNews.aspx?Id=1563846&SM=1 Oman's Second-Largest Port Blocked By Protesters Rttnews.com 28 February 2011 6 March 2011 15 July 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110715212012/http://www.rttnews.com/Content/GeneralNews.aspx?Id=1563846&SM=1 live On 1 March protests continued for a fourth day as crowds in Sohar congregated at the Globe Roundabout. Eventually, the Omani army, backed by tanks, peacefully dispersed protesters blocking the Sohar port and cleared them from the main coastal highway linking Muscat to Sohar.http://www.morningstaronline.co.uk/index.php/news/content/view/full/101712 Tanks roll into Sohar Morning Star 1 March 2011 6 March 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20120528090551/http://www.morningstaronline.co.uk/index.php/news/content/view/full/101712 28 May 2012 deadhttp://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=44659 ميدل ايست أونلاين Middle East Online 1 March 2011 6 March 2011 7 March 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110307034109/http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=44659 dead http://www.euronews.net/2011/03/01/army-disperses-protesters-in-oman/ Army disperses protesters in Oman Euronews.net 6 March 2011 5 March 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110305023001/http://www.euronews.net/2011/03/01/army-disperses-protesters-in-oman dead The troops later pulled back, though five armoured vehicles continued to watch the square.http://pakobserver.net/detailnews.asp?id=79014 Oman forces disperse protesters Pakistan Observer 6 March 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110310000851/http://pakobserver.net/detailnews.asp?id=79014 10 March 2011 dead The Globe Roundabout had been the site of up to 2,000 demonstrators over the past three days.http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/03/201131101527815578.html Fresh protests break out in Oman Al Jazeera English 1 March 2011 6 March 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110305103424/http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/03/201131101527815578.html 5 March 2011 livehttp://news.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne%2BNews/World/Story/A1Story20110301-265967.html https://web.archive.org/web/20110304213739/http://news.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne+News/World/Story/A1Story20110301-265967.html dead 4 March 2011 Oman forces disperse protesters peacefully AsiaOne 1 March 2011 2011-03-06 After reports of multiple deaths, the minister of health of Oman claimed only one person had been killed and 20 wounded.One dead as protests spread to Oman https://web.archive.org/web/20110406001920/http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/03/01/3151369.htm 6 April 2011 . Australian Broadcasting Corporation. (1 March 2011). Retrieved 2012-01-15. A Facebook page entitled "March 2 Uprising for Dignity and Freedom" called for further protests in all parts of Oman, beginning on 2 March, and it attracted more than 2,300 users. However, protests only occurred at the Globe Roundabout in Sohar with a smaller crowd of 50 protesters who blockaded the area.Mcdowall Angus https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748703409904576174571884664378 Protests in Oman Sputter The Wall Street Journal 2 March 2011 6 March 2011 13 February 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150213022654/http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748703409904576174571884664378 live Some people had organised community policing groups to prevent more damage.http://www.timesofoman.com/echoice.asp?detail=41362 Sultanate's security forces unearth UAE spy network Times of Oman 31 January 2011 6 March 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110717060353/http://www.timesofoman.com/echoice.asp?detail=41362 17 July 2011 dead dmy-all http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/oman/heavily-armed-military-vehicles-guard-sohar-1.769763 Heavily-armed military vehicles guard Sohar Gulf News March 2011 6 March 2011 4 March 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110304221504/http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/oman/heavily-armed-military-vehicles-guard-sohar-1.769763 live The army also issued a red alert to vacate the area or threatened action.http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/oman/oman-sounds-red-alert-protesters-given-evening-deadline-1.770510 Oman sounds red alert; protesters given evening deadline Gulf News 2 March 2011 6 March 2011 5 March 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110305183612/http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/oman/oman-sounds-red-alert-protesters-given-evening-deadline-1.770510 live The 'Sohar Citizen Committee' as it was called had started giving out numbers of its core members to people who could call upon it in case of an emergency or riots attack. On 30 March, The Director of Public Prosecutions issued a statement saying that complaints were filed by some citizens about acts of rioting, vandalism and breach of public order, destruction of public and private properties, obstructing business transactions and hindering easy movement of people on the streets. Based on these complaints, he gave orders to arrest and clear all the protesters from the Globe Roundabout. The Omani army then stormed the Globe Roundabout clearing blockades and arresting a number of the protesters.Oman: Soldiers Use Force To End One Month Sit-In https://web.archive.org/web/20110605164136/http://www.eurasiareview.com/oman-soldiers-use-force-to-end-one-month-sit-in-29032011/ 5 June 2011 . Eurasiareview.com (29 March 2011). Retrieved 2012-01-15.AFP: Omani army ends pro-reform sit-in https://web.archive.org/web/20130222163953/http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jCx0tMQLB9ylW1Ng9XB3MDM00ggg?docId=CNG.34a222e35c6a2e98d03744cee3b43b05.621 22 February 2013 . Google, (28 March 2011). Retrieved 2012-01-15.Oman’s Public Prosecution orders arrest of protesters https://web.archive.org/web/20110401141516/http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle08.asp?xfile=data/middleeast/2011/March/middleeast_March485.xml&section=middleeast 1 April 2011 . Khaleej Times, (30 March 2011). Retrieved 2012-01-15.Oman forces crack down on protesters https://web.archive.org/web/20121022120854/http://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2011/03/29/Oman-forces-crack-down-on-protesters/UPI-89971301402206/ 22 October 2012 . United Press International. Retrieved 2012-01-15.https://af.reuters.com/article/energyOilNews/idAFLDE72S0LO20110329?pageNumber=1&virtualBrandChannel=0 https://web.archive.org/web/20120725214944/http://af.reuters.com/article/energyOilNews/idAFLDE72S0LO20110329?pageNumber=1&virtualBrandChannel=0 dead 25 July 2012 Reuters Oman army clears roadblocks in Sohar pay protest 29 March 2011 On 1 April, following Friday prayers, hundreds of protesters took to streets demanding the release of people detained in the Public Prosecution crackdowns.June 2024 medicmedic The military has also stationed units around government offices and other key buildings in the city.Oman protests resume http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/04/20114213219368983.html 2 April 2011 2 April 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110405190130/http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/04/20114213219368983.html 5 April 2011 live At least one person was reported to have been killed in clashes between police and demonstratorsAFP: Police shoot one dead in Oman protest: witnesses https://web.archive.org/web/20130222163935/http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5j1t6UcsUhhalNFSFPviQqiy3pxng?docId=CNG.1fd1c4853d22c9c6fd2476a783525b0d.6e1 22 February 2013 . Google. (1 April 2011). Retrieved 2012-01-15. The Public Prosecutor said that the army responded to the protests which had initially started off as a demonstration demanding the release of over 100 protesters detained by authorities three days before1 dead, 6 injured as peace march turns violent in Sohar – Oman News https://web.archive.org/web/20120321001834/http://www.muscatdaily.com/Archive/Stories-Files/1-dead-6-injured-as-peace-march-turns-violent-in-Sohar/(language)/eng-GB 21 March 2012 . Muscat Daily. Retrieved 2012-01-15. but he alleged that later involved knives and stones amidst violence that led to the arrests of 50–60 of the demonstrators.https://af.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idAFTRE7310T320110402 https://web.archive.org/web/20120725203157/http://af.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idAFTRE7310T320110402 dead 25 July 2012 Reuters Oman detained up to 60 during clashes – witnesses 2 April 2011 Six others were also badly injured in the incident which had initially started off as a peaceful demonstration demanding the release of over 100 protesters detained by authorities three days before. On 8 April, the Public Prosecutor's office release details and photographs of those who had been arrested.‘Dragon Gang’ head arrested in Sohar – Oman News https://web.archive.org/web/20120321001848/http://www.muscatdaily.com/Archive/Stories-Files/Dragon-Gang-head-arrested-in-Sohar/(language)/eng-GB 21 March 2012 . Muscat Daily. Retrieved 2012-01-15. The same day, though rumours had abounded that a large number of protesters, including women and children, would take to the streets of Sohar after Friday prayers, there were no reports of protests in the local media after the Omani Army took control of the city setting-up multiple checkpoints and making arrests of protest leaders.Sohar peaceful under heavy security cover – Oman News https://web.archive.org/web/20120321001905/http://www.muscatdaily.com/Archive/Stories-Files/Sohar-peaceful-under-heavy-security-cover/(language)/eng-GB 21 March 2012 . Muscat Daily. Retrieved 2012-01-15. Other protests On 5 March, protests in the country have spread to Haima, a key oil region about 500 km on southwest of the capital Muscat, with oil workers staging a sit-in and calling for more government investment in the area. There were also protests in Ibri during the month.Ministry of Manpower shut down forcibly in Sohar – Oman News https://web.archive.org/web/20120321001822/http://www.muscatdaily.com/Archive/Stories-Files/Ministry-of-Manpower-shut-down-forcibly-in-Sohar/(language)/eng-GB 21 March 2012 . Muscat Daily. (27 March 2011). Retrieved 2012-01-15. On 6 May, protesters returned to the streets in Salalah after Friday prayers calling for democratic reform and an end to corruption.Hundreds call for reform, end to graft in Oman – TrustLaw https://web.archive.org/web/20120406120107/http://www.trust.org/trustlaw/news/hundreds-call-for-reform-end-to-graft-in-oman 6 April 2012 . Trust.org (6 May 2011). Retrieved 2012-01-15. The activists and protesters have reiterated their demands for the sacked ministers to be investigated. This was the fourth consecutive Friday to be marked by protests in Salalah.December 2011 Police broke up a protest camp in Salalah on 12 May, arresting possibly over 100 demonstrators. Several dozen more protesters were attacked by baton-wielding gendarmes and arrested the next day and early into the morning of 14 May while they were demanding jobs and higher pay.Omani forces arrest protesters after clashes https://web.archive.org/web/20210517071427/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-oman-protests-idUSTRE74D0IN20110514 17 May 2021 . Reuters. 14 May 2011 The Muscat Daily reported that protesters clashed with the army in Salalah's central Al Nahda Street following the first wave of arrests. The army then fired into the air and also used tear gas to disperse the stone-throwing crowds.http://www.muscatdaily.com/Archive/Stories-Files/Operation-Salalah-army-arrests-protesters/%28language%29/eng-GB Operation Salalah: Omani Army arrests Salalah protesters Muscat Daily 17 May 2011 2 December 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20181202071237/https://www.muscatdaily.com/Archive/Stories-Files/Operation-Salalah-army-arrests-protesters/(language)/eng-GB dead There were also peaceful protests in various colleges in Oman demanding the reducing of pass grades in some colleges. It had affected the classes in those colleges.منتديات سناو https://web.archive.org/web/20110827075419/http://sinaw.org/vb/showthread.php?p=212814 27 August 2011 . Sinaw.org. Retrieved 2012-01-15. Pro-government rallies On 1 March a rally was organised in Muscat to show support for the Sultan and his government. There were accusations that the government itself organised the rally, though at least some support was a "part genuine outpouring of affection for the sultan." However, multiple SMS were sent from the state-owned Omantel network during the nights preceding the protests, urging loyalists to attend.Fuller Thomas Rallies in Oman Steer Clear of Criticism of Its Leader The New York Times 8 2 March 2011 https://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/02/world/middleeast/02oman.html 23 February 2017 22 December 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20171222052205/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/02/world/middleeast/02oman.html live There were also continuous reports, mostly from Twitter, that supporters of the government drove around Muscat in large motorcades of up to 200 cars.https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5iAymzdbdndBVAczRpJ13-_iQbPCg?docId=CNG.4103fec93a330f1c195d92e86c2ce8c3.281 Pro-sultan Omanis in support drive 2 March 2011 28 March 2011 Agence France-Presse 22 February 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130222163950/http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5iAymzdbdndBVAczRpJ13-_iQbPCg?docId=CNG.4103fec93a330f1c195d92e86c2ce8c3.281 deadOmani tweep who told the Sohar story https://web.archive.org/web/20110305165102/http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/oman/omani-tweep-who-told-the-sohar-story-1.770405 5 March 2011 . Gulf News, (2 March 2011). Retrieved 2011-03-28. In early March, rallies in support of the Sultan continued to be staged. Responses Domestic On 18 February, it was reported that Sultan of Oman cancelled his visit to India as a result of the unrest in the Arab world, at the same date as "Green March" protest in Muscat happened.Indrani Bagchi http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-02-18/india/28614653_1_sultan-qaboos-ruler-oman https://web.archive.org/web/20110929162455/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-02-18/india/28614653_1_sultan-qaboos-ruler-oman dead 29 September 2011 Egypt fallout: Oman ruler postpones India trip 18 February 2011 The Times of India 1 March 2011 On 26 February, Sultan Qaboos reshuffled the cabinet in response to the domestic protests. The Consultative Assembly is elected by voters across 61 districts, but works in a purely advisory capacity and has no legislative powers. The cabinet reshuffle saw Mohammed bin Nasser al-Khasibi named commerce and industry minister, Hamoud bin Faisal al-Bousaidi as civil service minister and Madiha bint Ahmed bin Nasser as education minister. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdullah al-Harthy, the outgoing civil service minister, was appointed to head the environment ministry, while Maqboul bin Ali bin Sultan was appointed the new transport minister and Mohsen bin Mohammed al-Sheikh became tourism minister. Protesters had called upon the Sultan to remove Maqbool Bin Ali Bin Sultan from the post of commerce minister as they viewed him as corrupt and inadequate for the task of running the ministry.http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/oman/sultan-qaboos-reshuffles-oman-cabinet-1.768277 Sultan Qaboos reshuffles Oman cabinet Gulf News 26 February 2011 1 March 2011 28 February 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110228084925/http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/oman/sultan-qaboos-reshuffles-oman-cabinet-1.768277 live The Sultan also announced benefits for the students of Higher College of Technology.http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle08.asp?xfile=data/middleeast/2011/February/middleeast_February780.xml&section=middleeast Oman takes measures to address public grievances Khaleejtimes.com 1 March 2011 12 January 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150112215341/http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle08.asp?xfile=data%2Fmiddleeast%2F2011%2FFebruary%2Fmiddleeast_February780.xml&section=middleeast dead The students whose homes are 100 km away from the place of study, would be given 90 Omani rial allowances while those living at a less than 100-km distance would get 25-rial allowance. The Royal decree issued stated the reason for the rise in these stipends as "to achieve further development and provide a decent living." The Diwan of Royal Court, on the orders of the sultan, decided to set up an independent authority for consumer protection in the country. It had also been decided to study the possibility of establishing cooperative societies in the country which did not allow for formation of political parties. There were also confirmed plans to reduce the percentage contribution of civil servants in the Civil Employees Pension Fund from eight percent to seven percent of the monthly basic salary, adding to it 75 percent of the housing, electricity and water allowances. On 28 February, Sultan Qaboos pledged to create 50,000 government jobs, provide a monthly benefit of $390 to the unemployed and ordered a committee to draft proposals for boosting the power of an elected council that advises him on state affairs.Charmelot Jacques 27 February 2011 https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5iEbFoiaf3y5011Vp3yrALFAa0kjQ?docId=CNG.3bcc0040b48d45bb31070d5319019b17.121 Oil-rich Arab states open their coffers 28 March 2011 Agence France-Presse 2 March 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110302065219/http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5iEbFoiaf3y5011Vp3yrALFAa0kjQ?docId=CNG.3bcc0040b48d45bb31070d5319019b17.121 dead He also promised that a legislative council would be given more powers. On 5 March, Sultan Qaboos replaced two more ministers. Khaled bin Hilal bin Saud al-Busaidi replaced Sayed Ali bin Hamoud al-Busaidi as a minister of the royal court and Sultan bin Mohammed al-Numani replaced General Ali bin Majid al-Maamari as minister in the sultan's office.Oman's ruler dismisses ministers Al-Jazeera English http://english.aljazeera.net/video/middleeast/2011/03/20113565533194678.html 5 March 2011 5 March 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110305093031/http://english.aljazeera.net/video/middleeast/2011/03/20113565533194678.html 5 March 2011 live On 7 March, Sultan Qaboos issued eight royal decrees including, reshuffling once again the council of ministers and allowing for the formation of a state audit committee. Royal Decree No 38/2011 abolished the Ministry of National Economy and stated that a committee shall be formed by the Council of Ministers to manage the distribution of its prerogatives, allocations, assets and employees. The ministry had been targeted by protesters for being corrupt and inefficient.Oman: Sultan Qaboos Restructures Cabinet Ministers | Oman Politics https://web.archive.org/web/20110711100747/http://www.english.globalarabnetwork.com/2011030710133/Oman-Politics/oman-sultan-qaboos-restructures-council-of-ministers.html 11 July 2011 . Global Arab Network (7 March 2011). Retrieved 28 March 2011. On 13 March, a royal decree was announced granting "legislative and regulatory powers" to the parliament, which had previously only been a consultative body.Qaboos gives legislative powers to Council of Oman https://web.archive.org/web/20110315201305/http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/oman/qaboos-gives-legislative-powers-to-council-of-oman-1.775709 15 March 2011 . Gulf News, (13 March 2011). Retrieved 28 March 2011. The next day he fired Lieutenant General Malek Bin Sulaiman Al Ma'amari as Inspector General of the Police and Customs.Sultan Qaboos fires Oman's police chief . The National. Retrieved 28 March 2011. On 15 March, he also issued further royal decrees to add a "cost of living allowance" to all military and security apparatus as well as all government units in Oman.His Majesty issues Royal Orders https://web.archive.org/web/20110717060416/http://www.timesofoman.com/innercat.asp?detail=42161&rand=EMxwVAelcGNCR4KVVGWDH2Bh6G 17 July 2011 . Times of Oman (15 March 2011). Retrieved 2011-03-28. The Sultan also gave orders for raising the Social Insurance Pension by 100% for all the 51,442 persons registered at the Social Development Ministry.His Orders issued for raising Social Insurance Pension https://web.archive.org/web/20110717060420/http://www.timesofoman.com/innercat.asp?detail=42141 17 July 2011 . Times of Oman (14 March 2011). Retrieved 28 March 2011. The ruling council issued a statement that condemned the "sabotage" and added that peaceful demonstrations were within "the legal rights of citizens".Bakri Nada Nada Bakri Protests in Oman Spread From Port City to Capital The New York Times 1 March 2011 https://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/01/world/middleeast/01oman.html 23 February 2017 29 April 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210429075609/https://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/01/world/middleeast/01oman.html live Other responses included creating of a second public university,Oman to decentralise power, implement reforms https://web.archive.org/web/20121001184338/http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticleNew.asp?col=&section=middleeast&xfile=data%2Fmiddleeast%2F2011%2FMay%2Fmiddleeast_May52.xml 1 October 2012 . Khaleej Times, (4 May 2011). Retrieved 2012-01-15. establishing the first Islamic bank in the regionBank Nizwa is Oman's first Islamic bank https://web.archive.org/web/20110526035459/http://www.emirates247.com/business/bank-nizwa-is-oman-s-first-islamic-bank-2011-05-16-1.393394 26 May 2011 . Emirates 24/7. Retrieved 2012-01-15. and approving Marriage Fund utility.Oman gives final shape to report on marriage fund https://web.archive.org/web/20121001184354/http://www.khaleejtimes.com/displayarticle.asp?xfile=data/middleeast/2011/May/middleeast_May828.xml&section=middleeast&col 1 October 2012 . Khaleej Times, (30 May 2011). Retrieved 2012-01-15. The popular response to the actions of Qaboos was said to be positive, particularly in light of the decision to grant the Council of Oman more powers. Hussain Al Abry, who was a lone protester against Oman Television for four days, said that "Sixty to 80 percent of demands have already been met so there is no reason to continue protesting."Protesters in Oman happy with Qaboos’ decision to give Council of Oman powers https://web.archive.org/web/20120329023457/http://m.gulfnews.com/news/gulf/oman/protesters-in-oman-happy-with-qaboos-decision-to-give-council-of-oman-powers-1.776309 29 March 2012 . Gulf News, (13 March 2011). Retrieved 2012-01-15. Apolitical The Muscat Securities Market's main index fell 4.9 percent.http://gulfnews.com/business/markets/regional-markets-extend-losses-as-unrest-grows-1.769417 Regional markets extend losses as unrest grows Gulf News 28 January 2009 1 March 2011 12 March 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110312031221/http://gulfnews.com/business/markets/regional-markets-extend-losses-as-unrest-grows-1.769417 live Neighbouring United Arab Emirates' two main stock markets in Dubai and Abu Dhabi also fell as the instability moved to the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council.Lohade Nikhil https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748704615504576172241374081256 Gulf Markets Dive as Unrest Spreads The Wall Street Journal 28 February 2011 1 March 2011 1 February 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160201181719/http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748704615504576172241374081256 live The Sohar Industrial Port Company said that the local port's functions were never disrupted by more than a few hours during periods of traffic problems caused by the protests.March 2011 International Supranational bodies Gulf Cooperation Council Gulf Cooperation Council members agreed to provide Oman with an aid plan similar to the Marshall Plan, consisting of $10 billion aimed at upgrading housing and infrastructure over a period of 10 years.Sectarian clashes at Bahrain school Al Jazeera http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/03/2011310201330454225.html 10 March 2011 13 March 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110312165846/http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/03/2011310201330454225.html 12 March 2011 live They also agreed that they would give more preference to GCC-member state nationals while hiring individuals.GCC marshall-style aid package for Bahrain, Oman https://web.archive.org/web/20140429162151/http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/kuwait/gcc-marshall-style-aid-package-for-bahrain-oman-1.770473 29 April 2014 . Gulf News, (2 March 2011). Retrieved 2011-03-28. States India – The embassy issued a notice to all their citizens residing in Oman (estimated at more than 300,000 at the time) to register themselves with the embassy. It also requested them to avoid taking part in any pro-government or anti-government rallies and steer clear of any kind of trouble.Indians urged to be on guard by mission in Oman https://web.archive.org/web/20110305171804/http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/oman/indians-urged-to-be-on-guard-by-mission-in-oman-1.770511 5 March 2011 . Gulf News, (2 March 2011). Retrieved 2011-03-28. Netherlands – Queen Beatrix had originally postponed a state visit to Oman amidst the crisis.http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/03/02/AR2011030203039.html https://web.archive.org/web/20121112040713/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/03/02/AR2011030203039.html dead 2012-11-12 Dutch queen's state visit to Oman postponed The Washington Post 12 November 2012 The visit later went ahead but was downgraded to a private visit amidst several Dutch political parties expressing concern she could be seen as supportive of the unelected sultan. The Dutch parliament debated the matter on 8th of March.Oman protests continue ahead of royal visit | Radio Netherlands Worldwide https://web.archive.org/web/20110310160334/http://www.rnw.nl/english/bulletin/oman-protests-continue-ahead-royal-visit 10 March 2011 . Rnw.nl (6 March 2011). Retrieved 2011-03-28. United Kingdom – The British embassy in Oman issued a notice to all British citizens in the country to avoid visiting Sohar as the situation in the city was tense.Wardens Note https://web.archive.org/web/20110711112922/https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ateiW7W0WGg/TWtBqXJHplI/AAAAAAAAJ_I/Ccq0-FF_ANc/s1600/Wardens+notice+27+Feb+11.jpg 11 July 2011 , British Embassy Muscat, 28 February 2011 United States – The U.S. State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley told reporters the U.S. encouraged the government of Oman to show restraint and resolve differences through dialogue. "We have been in touch with the government and encouraged restraint and to resolve differences through dialogue. We are encouraged by the recent steps toward reform taken by the government of Oman, and we strongly encourage the government to implement reforms that increase economic opportunity and move toward greater inclusion and participation in the political process."AFP: US encouraged by Oman's reform moves https://web.archive.org/web/20130222163958/http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hRTqyfhpSPpVTcY8OU8K8bYlGYKg?docId=CNG.b5aedb71894a12facb3ae790ca3ef931.891 22 February 2013 . Google. (7 March 2011). Retrieved 2011-03-28. NGOs Amnesty International has requested and urged the Omani government to show restraint while dealing with protesters."Oman urged not to use excessive force against protesters". Sify.com (1 March 2011). Retrieved 2011-03-28. See also Corruption Perceptions Index Dhofar Rebellion Freedom in the World List of countries by unemployment rate 2018–2019 Omani protests References Bibliography Wilson Alice https://www.google.com/books/edition/Afterlives_of_Revolution/DBWwEAAAQBAJ?hl=en Afterlives of Revolution: Everyday Counterhistories in Southern Oman May 23, 2023 Stanford University Press 978-1-5036-3579-1 en External links Oman protests, 2011 Protests Omani Category:Rebellions in Oman Category:21st century in Muscat, Oman Category:Sohar