Sudan: Police violently disperse protesters in Khartoum July 15 /update 107

Event

Police forces dispersed protesters who gathered in Khartoum on Monday, July 15, using tear gas and batons. Protesters were gathered to denounce the use of violence by the paramilitary forces during a gathering which took place the day prior in Al-Suki (Sennar state), in which one person was killed and seven others wounded. Further such protests are likely nationwide over the coming days and weeks, particularly in the capital Khartoum. A heightened security presence, along with transportation and business disruptions are to be expected, particularly on planned days of protest. Clashes between protesters and security forces are likely.

In the meantime, leaders of the Transitional Military Council (TCM) and of the Alliance for Freedom and Change civilian group are scheduled to meet on Tuesday over the recent power-sharing agreement.

Context

Civilian protest leaders and the TCM reached a power-sharing agreement on July 5, which is expected to form a joint council with a rotational military-civilian leader. Under the agreement, the council will also rule for around three years, after which new elections will be held. However, discrepancies remain between both groups, and the agreement has still to be signed.

The TCM 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 TCM; 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, particularly those in Khartoum and other urban areas, 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.