Sudan: Reports of several protesters killed amid demonstration in Omdurman August 1 /update 117

Event

The opposition group Central Committee of Sudan Doctors claimed on Thursday, August 1, that at least four protesters were killed amid anti-government demonstrations in Omdurman. Unconfirmed reports state that soldiers opened fire on protesters in the Souq Libya area of the city. Further details are still emerging. 

Protests are likely in other urban centers, such as Khartoum, Khartoum North, and Omdurman, over the coming hours and days. Further clashes between security forces and protesters cannot be ruled out.

Context

Security forces killed several student protesters in El-Obeid (North Kordofan state) on July 29 amid anti-government demonstrations. Officials subsequently imposed an indefinite curfew from 21:00 to 06:00 (local time) across North Kordofan. Tensions remain high across the country following the incident, which led to the temporary suspension of negotiations over the power-sharing agreement.

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.