Sudan: Anti-government protests planned in Khartoum state April 4, 6 /update 47

Event

The Sudanese Professionals Association (SPA) has called for further protests to take place in the capital Khartoum and its twin city Omdurman on Thursday, April 4, to demand bread and dignity. Similar protests are likely to take place in other urban centers across the country throughout the day.

Anti-government demonstrations have also been announced in Khartoum state on Saturday, April 6, to mark the 34th anniversary of the overthrow of the Gaafar Nimeiry regime. Demonstrators will reportedly march in Khartoum on al Qiyada street to the General Directorate of the Armed Forces. Additional protests are possible in Khartoum North and Omdurman on Saturday, to demand the resignation of President Omar al-Bashir. 

Heightened security measures and associated transportation disruptions are to be expected nationwide, notably in Khartoum and Omdurman, in the vicinity of any demonstration sites. Clashes between protesters and security forces cannot be ruled out.

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 the Darfur region. Protesters initially demanded increased government transparency and economic reforms but have since broadened their scope 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.

President Omar al-Bashir declared a one-year state of emergency on February 22, dissolved the cabinet, and dismissed all state governors; the length of the state of emergency was subsequently reduced to six months by parliamentary vote, and is expected to remain in effect until August 2019. Bashir also banned all unauthorized rallies and gatherings on February 25, following weeks of anti-government protests. Opposition leaders have defied the declaration and have called on supporters to continue protesting.

Advice

Individuals in Sudan are advised to monitor the situation, avoid all protests and public gatherings due to the risk of violence and arrest, anticipate disruptions to transportation and business near demonstration sites, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.