Sudan: Clashes continue in Khartoum April 9 /update 53

Event

Security forces reportedly began firing tear gas and live ammunition at protesters in Khartoum during the early morning hours (local time) of Tuesday, April 9. According to local media reports, the clashes began around 04:00 and were concentrated near the army and the naval headquarters. Military officials are reportedly allowing demonstrators to take shelter inside the headquarters building and some soldiers are returning fire against the security forces. As of approximately 05:00, gunfire is still being reported throughout the city. Further clashes and an escalation in fighting is possible in the coming hours as protesters continue to hold sit-in demonstrations in Khartoum.

Heightened security measures and associated transportation disruptions are to be expected nationwide - notably in Khartoum, Khartoum North, and Omdurman - near demonstration sites over the coming hours and days. Clashes between protesters and security forces cannot be ruled out.

Context

Heavy gunfire was previously reported during sit-in protests in Khartoum on Sunday, April 7, and early morning of Monday, April 8. According to local sources, at least five people have been killed in the recent clashes. 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 Khartoum, more generally Sudan, are advised to closely monitor the situation, avoid unnecessary travel, remain vigilant of their surroundings and be aware of possible spontaneous protest activities, adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments, and avoid all public gatherings and common demonstration sites due to the risk of violence and arrest.