Sudan: Anti-coup protesters and security forces clash for fourth consecutive day in and around Khartoum Oct. 28; unrest likely through Oct. 30 /update 9

Event

Security forces and protesters opposing the Oct. 25 coup d'etat clashed for a fourth consecutive day in and around Khartoum Oct. 28. Security forces reportedly fired tear gas and rubber-coated bullets at demonstrators, killing at least one protester and wounding multiple others; the clashes took place in Khartoum's Burri area and in Khartoum North. In total, at least 11 protesters have been killed and around 170 others have been wounded since the Oct. 25 military takeover.

Protesters continue to erect roadblocks in Khartoum and security forces are maintaining checkpoints around the capital, significantly restricting movement in parts of the city. Notably, demonstrators have reportedly blocked the Egypt-Sudan road (i.e., A1) and the road to Port Sudan. Unions in diverse sectors have declared a general strike, joining some officials at government entities in denunciation of the Oct. 25 coup; Khartoum's main market, filling stations, and banks remained closed Oct. 28 and hospitals only provided emergency care. Some small stores have also closed to express opposition to the military putsch, while others have remained open, attracting long bread lines.

Related protest activity was also reported elsewhere in the country Oct. 28, including in Atbara, and additional demonstrations are likely across Sudan over the coming hours and days. Notably, activists planned a nationwide sit-in demonstration late Oct. 28; demonstrations are also planned Oct. 29, leading up to "million-strong protests" Oct. 30. Protesters are likely to gather in urban centers across the country over the coming days, including in Khartoum, Omdurman, Port Sudan, Kassala, Al-Gadarif, Atbara, Dongola, and El-Obeid, among other locations.

Telephone and land-based internet networks were intermittently functioning as of Oct. 28; the satellite-based Salanco and Manet networks remain operational.

A limited number of flights were operating at Khartoum International Airport (KRT) as of Oct. 28, and multiple flights are tentatively scheduled to depart KRT Oct. 29. However, lingering commercial flight disruptions are likely at KRT over the short term as authorities clear the backlog of flights; additional flight suspensions cannot be ruled out.

The government will almost certainly maintain a heightened police and military presence across the country over the coming days, especially at likely protest sites and other sensitive locations. Transport and business disruptions are likely around anti-coup demonstrations. Clashes between protesters and security forces are possible at all related gatherings. Officials may implement additional restrictive measures over the short term, including road closures, random searches, restrictions on telecommunications, border controls, and curfews.

Context

Sudanese forces under the direction of Army General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan staged a coup Oct. 25 deposing Prime Minister Abdullah Hamdok, with Burhan declaring a nationwide state of emergency and the dissolution of the transitional Sovereign Council. Subsequent clashes between security forces and anti-coup protesters have left at least 11 people dead and dozens of others wounded.

Burhan has added that the military will form a nonpartisan administration that will remain in power until elections are held to elect a civilian government in July 2023. The military also announced Oct. 26 that trade unions and professional associations had been dissolved.

Advice

If operating in Sudan, exercise extreme caution. Those outside of Sudan should consider deferring travel to the country. Monitor local media and maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Avoid concentrations of security personnel. Plan for lingering travel delays. Reconfirm all scheduled transport services, including flights, before departure. Avoid all protests. Carry identification to facilitate passage through checkpoints.