24 Feb 2019 | 08:26 PM UTC
Sudan: Protests rally against state of emergency, new government Feb. 24 /update 32
Opposition groups defy state of emergency in nationwide anti-government protests February 24; President Bashir introduces new government
Event
At least three people were wounded after security forces opened fire on demonstrators in Omdurman on Sunday, February 24, while police clashed with hundreds in Khartoum, Khartoum North, Jabra, and Medani. Opposition leaders defied the state of emergency order, implemented on Friday, February 22, and called on supporters to continue daily demonstrations until President Omar al-Bashir resigns. On Sunday, Bashir swore in a new cabinet led by Prime Minister Mohamed Tahir Eila and introduced 16 army and two intelligence officers as governors for the country's 18 states.
Heightened security measures and localized transportation disruptions are to be expected around any demonstration sites; clashes between protesters and security forces are possible. Further protests are possible in the coming days and weeks.
Context
Anti-government protests began on December 19, 2018, as hundreds of protesters gathered in major urban centers - notably Atbara (River Nile state), Al-Qadarif (Al-Qadarif state), Port Sudan (Red Sea state), Khartoum, and Al-Fashir and Nyala in Darfur region. Protests initially demanded increased government transparency and improved economic policies but have broadened to demand the resignation of President Omar al-Bashir, who has been in power since 1989 and has vowed not to step down until at least 2020. Curfews were implemented in at least eight cities, including Kosti and Rabak (White Nile state), Al-Qadarif, Atbara, Al-Damir and Berber (River Nile state), and Dongola and Karima (Northern state). The Sudanese government has also blocked or limited access to social media sites since December 31, 2018. Continued connectivity and telecommunications disruptions are to be expected in the near term. The government has confirmed the deaths of at least 30 people due to protests, though human rights groups claim as many as 51 people have died and 1000 others have been arrested since the protests began.
Advice
Individuals throughout Sudan are advised to monitor the situation, anticipate telecommunications disruptions, adhere to 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.
