Sudan: Protests to take place in Khartoum and other cities July 25 /update 110

Event

The Sudanese Professionals' Association (SPA) has called for protests to take place in Khartoum and other urban centers, including Omdurman and Khartoum North on Thursday, July 25. The calls to protest come amid heightened tensions as military officials in Sudan claimed on Wednesday, July 24, that the armed forces had foiled a coup d'état attempt against ruling generals and had at least a dozen people arrested, including high-ranking military officers and leaders of the Islamic Movement and the National Congress Party, in connection with the failed coup attempt.

A heightened security presence and other localized disruptions are possible during the protests; clashes with security forces cannot be ruled out.

Context

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.

Civilian protest leaders and the TMC 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.

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, 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.