Sudan: Anti-coup protests ongoing nationwide Dec. 6 /update 12

Event

Nationwide protests against the Oct. 25 military coup d'etat and related insecurity are likely to persist through mid-December. Protests are ongoing nationwide Dec. 6 to denounce the reinstatement by the army of Abdullah Hamdok as Prime Minister Nov. 21 and to demand the immediate transfer of political power to civilian authorities. Protests are reportedly ongoing in Khartoum, Omdurman, and Port-Sudan. Protests in other major cities are also likely.

Security forces will almost certainly heighten security along key thoroughfares and near government buildings during protest periods. Bridges in the Khartoum area will likely be closed to prevent protesters from gathering. Protesters are likely to continue to block roads and clash with the security forces. Any significant unrest is likely to disrupt state and business operations. Public transport will also likely be disrupted. Disruptions to urban and intercity road travel, airports, border crossings, business operations, and telecommunications are likely amid significant bouts of civil unrest or authorities' security-related operations.

Context

Under the direction of General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, military forces staged a coup Oct. 25, deposing Prime Minister Abdullah Hamdok. General al-Burhan subsequently declared a nationwide state of emergency and dissolved the Sovereignty Council of Sudan, which had served as the country's transitional government. Clashes between security forces and anti-coup protesters have since left dozens of people dead and wounded.

The military released Prime Minister Abdullah Hamdok from house arrest and reinstated him to political office Nov. 21. Hamdok is expected to lead a technocratic, civilian government under military oversight during a transitional period; this period would culminate with the handover of power to an elected government, presumably following elections in 2023.

Despite the agreement, protests are ongoing as key civil society groups, including the Sudanese Professionals' Association (SPA) and the Forces for the Declaration of Freedom and Change (FFC), wholly rejected the deal.

Advice

Consider deferring travel to Sudan until the current situation stabilizes. Individuals in-country should limit movement on days with scheduled protests and avoid large public gatherings, night movement, and security personnel concentrations. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Refuel vehicles when safe to do so. Purchase/obtain essential goods when available. Reconfirm all scheduled transport services, including flights, before departure. Carry identification to facilitate passage through checkpoints. Regularly review and update contingency plans with trusted contacts.