Sudan: Demonstrations likely in Khartoum and other major cities through at least late March

Event

Activists are likely to stage protests in Khartoum and other major Sudanese cities through at least late March to demand that the country's military leadership transfer political power to civilian authorities and to denounce increasing economic hardship. Disruptive anti-coup protest activity and accompanying clashes have been regularly reported in the capital and other cities since the Oct. 25 coup d'etat; related demonstrations and acts of civil disobedience are likely in Khartoum and are possible in other cities March 10.

Activists have also recently organized protests to denounce rising consumer prices; protesters reportedly staged a related demonstration against elevated fuel prices in Khartoum's Central Market Tunnel area March 9.

Authorities will almost certainly deploy a heightened security presence along key thoroughfares and near government buildings amid protest activity. Security forces may close bridges in the Khartoum area to prevent protesters from gathering; activists will likely block roads. Clashes between protesters and security forces will probably accompany disruptive demonstrations; security forces will likely attempt to forcibly disperse protesters. Business disruptions are likely in areas affected by protest activity and associated clashes.

Context

Thousands of people have participated in large anti-coup demonstrations in several Sudanese cities since the Oct. 25 military takeover. Clashes regularly break out between protesters and security personnel during such gatherings, with security forces often using tear gas, stun grenades, and live ammunition to forcibly disperse activists. Dozens of civilians have been killed and thousands of others wounded in the protests.

Anti-government protests denouncing shortages of goods and rising prices have also been periodically reported in Sudan since December 2018 and have garnered increasingly broad support from a coalition of civil society groups and political organizations amid increasing economic hardship. Sudan's exports declined more than 85 percent in January 2022 and the country's currency has declined in value on the black market. A lack of foreign assistance following the October coup d'etat has exacerbated budget pressures, forcing the government to increase prices on a broad range of goods and services. Related demonstrations have continued unabated despite government efforts to disperse protesters and intimidate organizers.

Advice

Avoid all protests due to the likelihood of associated violence. Exercise caution near likely demonstration sites. Leave immediately and take refuge in a secure, nongovernmental building if violence erupts. Monitor local media for details concerning protest activity, as organizers may not announce plans in advance. Follow instructions issued by local authorities.