Sudan: Protests and general strike continue in Khartoum Oct. 27; unrest likely to persist in the coming days /update 8

Event

Civil society groups are continuing their general strike for a third day in Khartoum on Oct. 27 to denounce the coup that ousted Prime Minister Abdullah Hamdok Oct. 25 and demand a return to civilian rule. State oil company workers and doctors have reportedly joined the protest action as of Oct. 27. Activists have called for additional nationwide demonstrations and roadblocks over the coming days, including marches and protests on major thoroughfares and in front of government buildings, leading up to a "march of millions" on Oct. 30. Protesters are likely to gather in urban centers across the country, including Khartoum, Omdurman, Atbara, Dongola, and El-Obeid, among others.

The African Union (AU) issued a communique Oct. 27, stating that it has suspended Sudan until civilian rule is restored. The US Embassy in Sudan issued a security alert Oct. 26, noting that US nationals should shelter in place; it has also stated that all consular services at the embassy are suspended until further notice. The British and French governments have updated their travel advice for Sudan, recommending against all nonessential travel to the country.

Civil aviation authorities announced that all inbound and outbound flights will resume at Khartoum International Airport (KRT) from 16:00 Oct. 27. All flight operations were initially suspended amid recent civil unrest. Lingering commercial flight disruptions are possible 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 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 during any further 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, with Burhan declaring a nationwide state of emergency and the dissolution of the transitional Sovereign Council. Security forces clashed with anti-coup protesters Oct. 25, resulting in at least seven people killed and 140 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.