Sudan: Military crackdown kills one in Khartoum June 3 /update 81

Event

Sudanese security and affiliated militia forces began violently dispersing a sit-in demonstration in Khartoum in the morning (local time) of Monday, June 3. According to the Central Committee of Sudanese Doctors, a medical group participating in the protests, at least one person was killed and dozens more wounded from live ammunition. The raid on the sit-in site outside the army general headquarters in central Khartoum is ongoing as of 07:00. Security forces, including the Rapid Support Forces, are reportedly deployed to major hospitals. Further violence is likely in the coming hours along with other disruptions.

Context

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. The military recently warned of "danger" to the ongoing sit-in protests following several weeks of sporadic violence.

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.