Germany: Demonstration planned in Berlin June 6

Event

A demonstration organized by the Sudanese community in Germany/Berlin is set to take place in Berlin on Thursday, June 6. Participants are expected to gather in front of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs from 15:00 to 17:00 (local time). A heightened security presence and transportation disruptions are likely along the demonstration route.

Context

Sudanese security and affiliated militia forces violently dispersed a sit-in demonstration in Khartoum on June 3, prompting protests in the capital, the neighboring city of Omdurman, and in Atbara. At least 101 people were killed.

President Omar al-Bashir was removed from office on April 11 following a military coup. The military then dissolved the government, suspended the constitution, and announced it 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. Opposition leaders and the TMC have since then held negotiations over the composition of the sovereign council, - which would rule the country until the elections - and the duration of the transitional period, Both sides were about to complete the agreement on a three-year transitional period, before it was halted until further notice on May 20.

A three-month state of emergency remains in place and Sudanese border crossings have been closed until further notice. American and British diplomatic authorities have warned their citizens to refrain from travel to the country until further notice.

Advice

Individuals in Berlin are advised to monitor the situation and avoid all public demonstrations as a precaution. Individuals should also anticipate a heightened security presence and localized business and transportation disruptions near any demonstration sites.