Sudan: Anti-government protests continue on March 4 despite ban; further likely /update 35

Event

As of Monday, March 4, further anti-government protests are reportedly taking place at the National university of Sudan located in the capital Khartoum, to call for the resignation of President Omar al-Bashir and denounce recent governmental reforms. The protest comes amid a recent ban on all gatherings and a state of emergency order issued by the president in late February. Further protests are likely in the coming days and weeks.

Heightened security measures and localized transportation disruptions are to be expected around any demonstration sites; clashes between protesters and security forces are possible. 

Context

President Omar al-Bashir declared a one-year state of emergency on February 22, dissolved the cabinet, and dismissed all state governors. He also banned all unauthorized rallies and gatherings on February 25, following weeks of anti-government protests. Opposition leaders defied the declaration and called on supporters to continue protests. 

Anti-government protests began on December 19, 2018, as hundreds of protesters gathered in major urban centers - notably Atbara (River Nile state), Al-Qadarif (Al-Qadarif state), Port Sudan (Red Sea state), Khartoum, and Al-Fashir and Nyala in Darfur region. Protests initially demanded increased government transparency and improved economic policies but have broadened to demand the resignation of President Omar al-Bashir, who has been in power since 1989 and has vowed not to step down until at least 2020. Curfews were implemented in at least eight cities, including Kosti and Rabak (White Nile state), Al-Qadarif, Atbara, Al-Damir and Berber (River Nile state), and Dongola and Karima (Northern state). The government has confirmed the deaths of at least 33 people due to protests, though human rights groups claim as many as 51 people have died and 1000 others have been arrested since the protests began.

Advice

Individuals in Sudan are advised to monitor the situation, anticipate continued telecommunication disruptions, adhere to instructions issued by their home governments and local authorities, and avoid all protests and public gatherings due to the risk of violence and arrest.