Sudan: State of emergency declared, government dissolved February 22

Event

Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir declared a one-year state of emergency, dissolved the cabinet, and dismissed all state governors on Friday evening (local time), February 22. In a televised address, Bashir also called on parliament to postpone any constitutional amendments, including one which would allow him to run for reelection in 2020. The announcement follows speculation that Bashir would restructure the government and ruling party amid sustained anti-government protests. Further details regarding the state of emergency have not been released as of Friday evening. Nevertheless, continued anti-government protests are to be expected across Sudan over the coming days and weeks.

Context

Anti-government protests began on December 19, 2018, as hundreds of protesters gathered in major urban centers initially to demand increased government transparency and improved economic policies, but have broadened their scope to demand the resignation of President Omar al-Bashir. President Bashir has been in power since 1989 and has vowed not to step down until at least 2020. Curfews and internet restrictions have been imposed in several states since December 2018 and continued connectivity and telecommunications disruptions are to be expected in the near term. The government has confirmed the deaths of at least 30 people in protests and associated clashes with security forces, though human rights groups claim as many as 50 people have died and 1000 others have been arrested since the protests began.

Advice

Individuals throughout Sudan are advised to monitor the situation, anticipate telecommunications disruptions, adhere to instructions issued by their home governments as well as those of the local authorities (including curfew orders), and avoid all protests due to the risk of violence and arrest.