Sudan: Police disperse protesters June 27; further protests called June 30 /update 93

Event

Police forces dispersed some 300 student protesters with tear gas as they gathered near the Presidential Palace in Khartoum to demand a transition to civilian rule. In Omdurman, at least 100 lawyers have reportedly gathered in front of a judiciary complex. A heightened security presence, along with transportation disruptions, are likely in Khartoum and Omdurman in the coming hours.

Furthermore, the Sudanese Professionals' Association (SPA) has called for protests to take place nationwide on Sunday, June 30, to demand a transition to civilian rule and to mark the 30th anniversary of the coup that brought now-ousted President Omar al-Bashir to power. The protest, called the "March of Millions," is likely to be well attended, particularly in Khartoum. Several other nightly demonstrations are planned in Khartoum and other cities in the days before the march, including vigils, medical worker protests, and other marches. A heightened security presence and other localized disruptions are possible during these events and the March of Millions; clashes with security forces cannot be ruled out.

As of Thursday, June 27, internet services remain blocked in most of the country. Similar telecommunication disruptions are expected to persist in the coming days.

Context

Sudanese security forces and affiliated militias violently dispersed a pro-civilian rule sit-in in Khartoum on June 3. More than 128 people were killed, and hundreds wounded in the assault on the protest camp. Protesters also reported several cases of rape and other atrocities.

Following months of protests, President Omar al-Bashir was removed from office on April 11 in a military coup. The military dissolved the government and formed the Transitional Military Council (TMC) and announced it would rule until presidential elections could be held in two years. An ongoing sit-in demonstration was held until June 3 to demand increased civilian participation in negotiations. Protests have slowly resumed since then.

Advice

Individuals in Sudan, particularly Omdurman and Khartoum, are advised to monitor the situation, anticipate transportation, business, and telecommunication disruptions and a heightened security presence, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments, refrain from nonessential movement, maintain redundant modes of communication, and avoid all protests due to the risk of violence.