Sudan: Opposition claims June 3 death toll rises to 101 as of June 5 /update 86

Event

On Wednesday, June 5, opposition-linked medics claimed that the death toll from the June 3 security operation in Khartoum had risen to 101, cautioning the death toll is expected to rise. 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.

Opposition protesters obstructed streets in parts of Khartoum following Eid al-Fitr prayers on Wednesday as gunfire rang out in parts of the capital. The protests were generally held without major confrontations between demonstrators and security forces and most stores remained closed. Several airlines have temporarily suspended flight services to Khartoum International Airport (KRT) following Monday's violence; it was not immediately reported when the airlines would resume regular flight operations. The UN also announced Wednesday that it would temporarily relocate non-program-critical staff from Sudan while continuing operations in the country. Internet and mobile data services have been blocked in various parts of the country by major Sudanese providers in recent days, with service blockages likely to continue over the near term.

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. Additional opposition demonstrations over the near term may devolve into violent clashes with security forces.

Context

Sudanese security and affiliated militia forces violently dispersed a sit-in demonstration outside the Defense Ministry in Khartoum on June 3, prompting protests in the capital, the neighboring city of Omdurman, and in Atbara.

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. The military warned of "danger" facing the weeks-long sit-in protests in the capital 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. American and British diplomatic authorities have also warned their citizens to refrain from travel to the country until further notice.

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.