Sudan: Clashes reported in Khartoum April 7-8 following large protests /update 51

Event

Heavy gunfire was reported in Khartoum on the late hours (local time) of Sunday, April 7, and early morning of Monday, April 8. According to local sources, military and security forces exchanged gunfire throughout the night and as late as 05:00 on Monday near the site of ongoing protests. Large demonstrations and an overnight sit-in were held on Sunday near the General Directorate of the Armed Forces, or Army headquarters, along with a bridge between Khartoum and Khartoum North. National security and rapid support forces ordered protesters at the Army headquarters to disperse, though large numbers of people continued to demonstrate.

The Forces for Freedom and Change, which includes the Sudan Professionals Association and other opposition groups, announced a press conference and demonstration to be held on Monday at noon in front of the army headquarters. Further confrontations and clashes are possible along with large protests.

Heightened security measures and associated transportation disruptions are to be expected nationwide, notably in Khartoum, Khartoum North, and Omdurman, in the vicinity of any demonstration sites over the coming hours and days. 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.