20 Dec 2018 | 04:54 PM UTC
Sudan: Anti-government protests spread to Khartoum and Port Sudan Dec. 20 /update 3
Anti-government protests spread to Khartoum and Port Sudan as of December 20; at least one person killed in unrest
Event
At least one person has been killed in widespread anti-government protests as of Thursday, December 20. Hundreds of protesters have reportedly gathered in Atbara (Nile River state), Al-Qadarif (Al-Qadarif state), Port Sudan (Red Sea state), and Khartoum, to demand increased government transparency and the implementation of measures to combat inflation. According to local reports, states of emergency were declared in Al-Qadarif, where one person was killed, and in Atbara, where a curfew remains in effect from 18:00 to 06:00 (local time). In Khartoum, roughly 150 people reportedly marched in the city center before security forces dispersed the crowd. Further protests and violence are possible in the coming days and weeks.
Context
Cities throughout Sudan, including Atbara, Khartoum, Kassala, and Port Sudan, have been experiencing bread, fuel, and cash shortages. The current shortages come as the economy continues to suffer from surging inflation. Various protests have taken place in Sudanese cities since early January due to price hikes, notably in Khartoum, Khartoum North, and Omdurman. The government has begun to implement a number of broad-based economic reforms in line with recommendations from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in an attempt to stabilize the economy and foster growth. For example, on October 7, the government ordered the devaluation of the Sudanese pound compared to the US dollar, the third such devaluation since early 2018; the exchange rate is now SDG 47.6 to USD 1, compared to SDG 6.7 to USD 1 in 2017.
Advice
Individuals in the abovementioned cities in Sudan are advised to monitor the situation, obey all instructions issued by the local authorities (including curfew orders), and avoid all protests as a precaution.
More generally, individuals in Sudan are advised to fill up vehicle tanks whenever gasoline is available, ensure a sufficient level of fuel reserves before embarking on long journeys, and postpone nonessential travel until the situation stabilizes. Remain vigilant at all times, notably at key supply locations such as gas stations, ATMs, and bakeries during periods of scarcity due to the risk of confrontations or criminal activity.
