Sudan: Opposition group announces protests planned for July 4, 13-14 /update 100

Event

The Sudanese Professionals Association (SPA) and affiliated anti-government groups have called for nationwide demonstrations on Thursday, July 4. The demonstrations will be followed by scheduled protests on Saturday, July 13, and Sunday, July 14. The exact locations of the gatherings were not immediately released. The demonstrations are being held to demand a transition to civilian rule and denounce the killing of several protesters in recent demonstrations.

Tensions remain high across the country and the ruling Transitional Military Council (TMC) may attempt to prevent further mass protests from being held. Heightened security measures are expected nationwide, particularly in the capital Khartoum, over the coming days and clashes between protesters and security forces are possible. Internet service and telecommunications disruptions are ongoing as of early July, and will likely persist in the coming weeks. Transportation and business disruptions are also likely, particularly on planned days of protest.

Context

Tens of thousands of people participated in "March of Millions" rallies on 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. Opposition activists have reported at least seven people killed and over 200 wounded by live ammunition, tear gas, or batons. 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. On July 3, opposition Alliance for Freedom and Change leaders agreed to participate in direct negotiations with the Transitional Military Council (TMC); talks were previously suspended in May due to a dispute over whether a civilian or military official should rule the transition body. 

Advice

Individuals in Sudan, particularly Omdurman and Khartoum, are advised to monitor the situation, anticipate transportation, business, and telecommunications 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.