Sudan: Security forces forcibly disperse protesters in multiple cities Dec. 28 /update 10

Event

Security forces forcibly dispersed anti-government demonstrators in several cities in Sudan on Friday, December 28, as related protests continued for a 10th consecutive day. Security forces fired tear gas and stun grenades at hundreds of demonstrators as they exited a mosque in Omdurman on Friday; similar protests were also reportedly organized in Khartoum, Port Sudan, and Dongola. Local sources reported that security forces fired live ammunition at protesters in Khartoum.

Additional demonstrations are likely to take place on Monday, December 31, and Tuesday, January 1 - Sudan's Independence Day. Heightened security measures and localized transportation disruptions are to be expected around demonstration sites. Clashes between supporters and security forces are likely.

Context

Anti-government protests broke out on December 19 as hundreds of protesters gathered in major urban centers - notably in Atbara (Nile River state), Al-Qadarif (Al-Qadarif state), Port Sudan (Red Sea state), and Khartoum - initially to demand increased government transparency and the implementation of anti-inflation measures. Hundreds of demonstrators marched on the Presidential Palace in Khartoum on December 25 to call for the fall of the regime. Police forces reportedly used tear gas and live ammunition to disperse the protesters in several instances. As unrest spread, curfews were implemented in at least eight cities, including in Kosti and Rabak (White Nile state), Al-Qadarif (Al-Qadarif state), Atbara, Al-Damir, and Berber (River Nile state), as well as in Dongola and Karima (Northern state). Local authorities claim as many as 19 protesters have died since the movement began.

Advice

Individuals in Sudan are advised to monitor the situation, obey all instructions issued by the local authorities (including curfew orders), and avoid all protests as a precaution.