Sudan: Lawyers and judges to protest in Khartoum May 14 /update 71

Event

The Democratic Alliance of Lawyers is calling on lawyers and judges throughout the country to protest in Khartoum on Tuesday, May 14, to demand the rule of law be reinstated. Demonstrators are being asked to gather on Abdel Moneim Mohamed Street, west of the Supreme Court buildings, starting at 13:00 (local time). Opposition organizations, including the Sudanese Professionals Association (SPA), are supporting the protest. The lawyers are also calling for judiciary reforms and for the right to fair trials to continue to be upheld by the courts. Heightened security measures and localized traffic disruptions are expected in the area.

Continuing demonstrations and associated clashes between protesters and security forces are to be expected in Sudan, particularly in Khartoum, over the coming days and weeks. Localized transportation and business disruptions are to be expected near demonstration sites. 

Context

President Omar al-Bashir was removed from office on April 11 following a military coup led by Defense Minister Awad Mohamed Ahmed Ibn Auf. Following the formation of the Supreme Security Committee, Ibn Auf announced that the military had dissolved the government, suspended the constitution, and would rule the country for two years in a transitional government - known as the Transitional Military Council (TMC) - after which time fresh presidential elections would be held. However, Ibn Auf and his deputy resigned on April 12; Lieutenant General Abdel Fattah Abdelrahman Burhan was later named the head of the TMC. Opposition leaders and the TMC have held negotiations over the composition of the council, although both sides have disagreed on the scope of the military's role in the new government. 

A three-month state of emergency remains in place and Sudanese border crossings have been closed until further notice. The US State Department issued a notice on April 11 calling for all non-emergency government employees to evacuate from Sudan as a precaution. US diplomatic authorities have also warned US citizens to refrain from all travel to the country until further notice.

Advice

Individuals in Sudan, particularly those in Khartoum and the surrounding areas, are advised to closely monitor the situation, refrain from all nonessential 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.