Sudan: Calls for protests on June 12 amid ongoing general strike /update 89

Event

Opposition supporters have called for nationwide protests to take place on Wednesday, June 12, amid an ongoing general strike entering its third consecutive day as of Tuesday, June 11. A heightened security presence is likely on Wednesday, notably in the capital Khartoum, and clashes between protesters and security forces cannot be ruled out.

As of Tuesday, most businesses and offices remain closed in Khartoum and most transportation services are at standstill across the capital. Landline internet connections also remain down, a week after mobile online services were cut. Internet service blockages are likely to continue over the near term. While flight operations have resumed at Khartoum International Airport (KRT); few flights are operating and most travel agencies are closed due to the internet outage.

Continued protests and sit-in demonstrations, notably in the capital Khartoum and its twin city Omdurman, are to be anticipated over the coming days and weeks as opposition groups have called for an indefinite period of civil disobedience. Further disruptions to transportation (e.g. flight delays and cancelations), internet service, and business are to be expected in Khartoum and other urban areas in Sudan over the coming days and weeks.

Context

Sudanese security and affiliated militia forces violently dispersed a sit-in demonstration outside the Defense Ministry in Khartoum on June 3, which prompted opposition supporters to organize the ongoing civil disobedience. Opposition-linked medics claimed that the death toll from the June 3 security operation had risen to 118, while the government announced 61 deaths. The updated figures come as Sudan's political opposition rejected the ruling Transitional Military Council's offer to resume talks amid growing international criticism of the regime over the killings.

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. Sit-in demonstrations have continued in Khartoum as activists demand increased civilian participation in negotiations.

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. The UN also announced on June 5 that it would temporarily relocate non-program-critical staff from Sudan while continuing operations in the country. American and British diplomatic authorities have also warned their citizens to refrain from travel to the country until further notice. On June 6, the African Union (AU) suspended Sudan from the organization until a civilian rule is established.

Advice

Individuals in Sudan, and particularly those in Khartoum and Omdurman, are advised to closely monitor the situation, anticipate additional security operations and significant transportation and business disruptions, refrain from nonessential movement, and avoid all protests and demonstrations due to the risk of violence.