Sudan: Protesters and military agree on new power sharing agreement August 3-4 /update 118

Event

A mediator from the African Union announced early morning (local time) on Saturday, August 3, that the Transitional Military Council (TMC) and civilian opposition leaders have agreed on a constitutional declaration that is expected to create a transitional government. Once the document is fully drafted, the declaration is due to be signed by all parties on Sunday, August 4.

The continuation of protests is likely in the near term, as well as a continued heightened security presence and transportation and business disruption. Further clashes between protesters and security forces cannot be ruled out.

Context

Security forces killed at least four people at an opposition protest in Omdurman on August 1, after several thousand people had gathered to protest security forces' killing of several student protesters in El-Obeid (North Kordofan state) at an opposition protest on July 29. Tensions remain high across the country following the incident, which led to the temporary suspension of negotiations over the power-sharing agreement.

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.