Sudan: Gunfire reported at sit-in site in Khartoum June 3 /update 80

Event

Military forces reportedly forcibly dispersed a sit-in demonstration in Khartoum in the morning (local time) on Monday, June 3. Heavy gunfire was reported near Al Baladiya Avenue and ongoing in the area as of 06:15. According to the Sudan Medical Committee, one person was killed, and tens of others were wounded. Further clashes are likely in the coming hours.

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. 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. Sit-in demonstrations have continued in Khartoum as activists demand increased 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. US diplomatic authorities have also warned US citizens to refrain from all travel to the country until further notice.

Advice

Individuals in Sudan, and Khartoum in particular, are advised to closely monitor the situation, avoid the area, refrain from nonessential movement, and be prepared for continued violence.