Sudan: Protest in Khartoum Sep. 24; further demonstrations possible

Event

Hundreds of people protested outside a courthouse in the capital Khartoum on Sunday, September 24, to denounce the death sentence given to a university student convicted of killing a policeman during protests last year. Minor scuffles broke out between protesters and the police, after which demonstrations spread to the nearby University of Khartoum Central Campus. Security forces used tear gas to disperse the crowds. Further protests and unrest may breakout over coming weeks.

Context

The student, Asim Omer, was arrested in December and charged with killing a policeman during clashes between students and security forces in April 2016. At that time the country was experiencing widespread in protest of austerity measures, which saw the removal of subsidies on fuel, medicine, and electricity. Omer was found guilty by a court in Khartoum in August, a verdict that has been criticized by opposition parties.

Advice

Individuals present in Sudan are advised to keep abreast of the situation, to remain vigilant, and to avoid all demonstrations as violence may flare up without warning.

On a more general note, many Western governments advise against nonessential travel to Sudan and against all travel to certain regions, including the five Darfur states, South Kordofan, Blue Nile, certain areas of North Kordofan, the Djebel Ouanat region, Dinder National Park, and Sennar state.