Sudan: Protesters dispersed in Al-Qadarif Jan. 8; demonstrations planned Jan. 9 /update 15

Event

Security forces dispersed hundreds of anti-government protesters with tear gas in Al-Qadarif on Tuesday, January 8. Further pro- and anti-government demonstrations are also planned for Wednesday, January 9, in Khartoum and Omdurman. Anti-government protesters are expected to gather outside the National Assembly building in Omdurman, while pro-government protesters are expected to gather at 09:00 (local time) at Green Yard in Khartoum. Heightened security measures and localized transportation disruptions are to be expected around any demonstration sites, and further clashes between protesters and security forces are likely.

Opposition organizations are also calling for nightly protests to be held in Khartoum and other urban areas over the near term.

On a related note, the doctors strike ongoing since December 24 is ongoing as of Tuesday, January 8, with over 35 hospitals across the country affected. Pharmacists, who also announced a general strike and closure of all pharmacies from December 25 in solidarity with the doctors, also remain on strike as of January 8.

Context

The Sudanese government blocked social media sites, including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, as of December 31 to suppress ongoing anti-government protests in the country. Anti-government protests broke out on December 19 as hundreds of protesters gathered in major urban centers - notably in Atbara (Nile River state), Al-Qadarif (Al-Qadarif state), Port Sudan (Red Sea state), and Khartoum - initially to demand increased government transparency and the implementation of anti-inflation measures; their demands have since broadened to demand that President Omar al-Bashir, in power since 1989, step down. Curfews have been implemented in at least eight cities in response to the unrest, including in Kosti and Rabak (White Nile state), Al-Qadarif (Al-Qadarif state), Atbara, Al-Damir, and Berber (River Nile state), as well as in Dongola and Karima (Northern state). At least 19 people have died in the protests and over 800 others have been detained since they began.

Advice

Individuals in Sudan are advised to monitor the situation, anticipate telecommunication disruptions, obey all instructions issued by their home government as well as those of the local authorities (including curfew orders), and avoid all protests due to the risk of violence and arrest.