Sudan: Anti-coup activists call for additional protests in and around Khartoum, other cities Nov. 13 /update 3

Event

Anti-coup activists have called for additional nationwide protests Nov. 13 against the Oct. 25 military coup d'etat. Although details regarding the times and locations of the protests have not been disclosed as of Nov. 12, participants are likely to gather in major urban areas, including Khartoum and Omdurman, notably near key government buildings, military installations, and critical infrastructure. Protesters may erect roadblocks and burn tires to disrupt travel during the demonstrations. Security forces may use violence to disperse crowds. Thousands of anti-coup protesters gathered in Khartoum, Nov. 7-8; security forces arrested more than 100 people and forcibly dispersed demonstrators with tear gas and live ammunition.

Despite scattered protest activity around Khartoum and elsewhere in the country Nov. 12, several businesses remain open and many protester-erected barricades had been cleared in the capital. Similarly, the US Embassy in Khartoum issued a security alert Nov. 6 noting that while movement in and around Khartoum had improved and all bridges were open to traffic, military checkpoints remain in place and demonstrators continue to erect roadblocks in the capital area. The alert also advised US citizens to "shelter in place to the extent possible" and to consider the long-term sustainability of their living situation (access to food, fuel, banking, pharmaceutical drugs, reliable water, and electricity supply, flights). Khartoum International Airport (KRT) was operational as of Nov. 12.

Persistent phone and internet service outages continue to affect Sudan since the Oct. 25 coup. Phone networks are reportedly providing intermittent service, while internet service remained almost completely disrupted in Sudan as of Nov. 12, despite a recent court order injecting authorities to restore internet services.

In general, insecurity is likely to persist across Sudan through at least late November, manifesting in regular anti-government demonstrations in Khartoum and other major cities. Protesters are likely to gather near city centers, major government buildings, and along road routes. Counterprotests by supporters of the military are also likely. Clashes are almost certain at all related demonstrations, particularly if opposing groups gather in proximity. Related disruptions to intracity and intercity road travel, airports, border crossings, and business operations are also likely due to civil unrest or authorities' security-related operations. Shortages of basic goods and commodities will likely worsen in the coming days.

Context

Sudanese forces under the direction of Army Lt. Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan staged a coup Oct. 25, deposing Prime Minister Abdullah Hamdok. Lt. Gen. al-Burhan subsequently declared a nationwide state of emergency and dissolved the Sovereignty Council of Sudan, which served as the transitional government of the country. Subsequent clashes between security forces and anti-coup protesters have left over a dozen people dead and dozens of others wounded. Al-Burhan has indicated 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.

On Nov. 11, al-Burhan was sworn in as head of the transitional council he appointed following the military takeover. The 14-member Sovereign Council includes civilians representing Sudan's regions but none from the Forces of Freedom and Change (FFC) political coalition that had been sharing power with the military since 2019.

Advice

Consider deferring travel to Sudan until the current situation stabilizes. Persons in-country should consider sheltering in place; liaise with diplomatic representations and trusted contacts. Avoid all protests, travel at night, nonessential travel in public, and concentrations of security personnel. Refuel vehicles when safe to do so. Reconfirm all scheduled transport services, including flights, before departure. Carry identification to facilitate passage through checkpoints.