Sudan: Opposition groups call for mass protests August 1 /update 116

Event

The Sudanese Professionals Association (SPA) and Forces of Freedom and Change (FFC) opposition coalition are calling for mass protests under the name "March of Millions" in the capital Khartoum on Thursday, August 1, starting at 13:00 (local time). Protesters intend to denounce the latest crackdown on protesters in El-Obeid (North Kordofan state) on Monday, July 29, in which five people were killed. The call comes as authorities announced the closure of all schools from Wednesday, July 31, until further notice, following a student protest on July 30, which was violently dispersed. .

Protests are likely in other urban centers, such as Khartoum North and Omdurman. Rallies are expected to be well attended and a heightened security presence and other disruptions are expected throughout Thursday, and clashes between security forces and protesters cannot be ruled out.

Tensions remain high across the country following Monday's incident, which led to the temporary suspension of negotiations over the power-sharing agreement.

Context

Following the July 29 incident, officials imposed an indefinite curfew from 21:00 to 06:00 (local time) across North Kordofan.

Political tensions remain high in Sudan after military officials claimed on July 24 that another coup d'état attempt against ruling generals had been foiled. At least a dozen people were arrested. The alleged coup attempt marks the second coup d'état plot thwarted this month in Sudan and comes as the ruling Transitional Military Council (TMC) and opposition-led groups are working to settle a power-sharing deal that would outline a three-year transition process that culminates with elections.

The TMC came to power after removing President Omar al-Bashir from office on April 11 following months of protests. Initially, the council announced it would rule until presidential elections could be held in two years. A sit-in demonstration was held in Khartoum until June 3 to demand increased civilian participation in negotiations, when it was violently dispersed by security forces. On July 3, opposition Alliance for Freedom and Change leaders agreed to participate in direct negotiations with the TMC; talks were previously suspended in May due to a dispute over whether a civilian or military official should rule the transitional body.

Advice

Individuals in Sudan are advised to monitor the situation, anticipate a heightened security presence, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments, refrain from nonessential movement, and avoid all protests due to the risk of violence.