Sudan: Security forces raid opposition offices in Khartoum June 29 /update 94

Event

Members of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) reportedly raided the offices of the Sudanese Professionals Association (SPA) in the capital Khartoum on Saturday, June 29, a day before mass protests are scheduled to be held. The SPA was planning to hold a press conference in Khartoum’s Burri district when several RSF vehicles arrived at the office and ordered all people to leave the building. Local journalists also reported that armed men prevented them from attending the press conference. Opposition leaders have condemned the raid and have vowed to continue with the demonstrations planned for Sunday, June 30.

SPA leaders and Forces of Freedom and Change (FFC) opposition coalition are calling for mass protests throughout Sudan on Sunday, particularly in Khartoum and Omdurman, under the name “March of Millions.” All demonstrations are scheduled to begin at 13:00 (local time). The groups are organizing the rallies 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. Rallies are expected to be well attended and a heightened security presence and other disruptions are expected throughout Sunday. Tensions remain high and clashes between security forces and protesters cannot be ruled out. Internet service and telecommunication disruptions are also possible.

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.