Sudan: Violent protest in Khartoum Jan. 6; further protests planned Jan. 9 /update 14

Event

Police forces violently dispersed with tear gas protesters trying to converge at the Presidential Palace in the capital Khartoum, on Sunday, January 6. At least three people were reportedly injured and several others, including journalists and teachers, were arrested. Related protests took place in Wad Madani and Atbara.

Furthermore, pro and anti-government demonstrations are planned for Wednesday, January 9 in the capital as well as in 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.

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

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.

On a related note, the doctors strike ongoing since December 24 continues as of Monday, January 7, 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, remain on strike as of January 7.

Context

The Sudanese government blocked social media sites, including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, as of December 31 in an effort to calm 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).

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.