Sudan: Demonstrations are likely in Khartoum and other major cities through at least late May /update 3

Event

Activists are likely to stage protests in Khartoum and other major Sudanese cities through at least late May to demand that the country's military leadership transfer political power to civilian authorities and 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. The US Embassy in Sudan issued a demonstration alert April 29 warning of civil disobedience in Khartoum and other states on April 30. It added that protester roadblocks and business closures could occur. The Khartoum Resistance Committees have also reportedly called for demonstrations in Khartoum on April 30.

Authorities will almost certainly deploy a heightened security presence along key thoroughfares and near government buildings during protest periods. 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 disperse protesters forcibly. 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. During such gatherings, clashes regularly break out between protesters and security personnel, 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.

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.