Sudan: Sudanese Professional Association plans protest nationwide Dec. 19

Event

The Sudanese Professional Association has called for nationwide protests Dec. 19. The protest is scheduled in solidarity with citizens of the Darfur region and to call for an end to the violence that has been reported there in recent days. The protest is also in response to the Oct. 25 military coup and to denounce the army's reinstatement of Abdullah Hamdok as Prime Minister Nov. 21. While organizers have not yet announced precise times and locations for the protests, gatherings are highly likely in Khartoum, Omdurman, and Port Sudan. In Khartoum, protesters are likely to converge to the Presidential Palace. Protests in other major cities are also possible.

During protest periods, security forces will certainly heighten security along key thoroughfares and near government buildings. Bridges in the Khartoum area will likely be closed to prevent protesters from gathering. Protesters may erect roadblocks and clash with the security forces. Unrest may disrupt business operations. Security forces have used forceful measures, such as tear gas, to disperse recent protests. 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.

Advice

Avoid all protests. Heed instructions from security services and leave the area at the first sign of a confrontation.