Sudan: Calls for nationwide general strike March 5 /update 36

Event

Anti-government acitvists have called for a nationwide general strike to take place on Tuesday, March 5, to demand the resignation of President Omar al-Bashir and denounce recent governmental reforms. As such, disruptions to daily life activities (transportation, business closure, impact on health and education services) are likely throughout the day. Associated protests are likely, notably in the capital Khartoum.

Heightened security measures are to be expected nationwide.

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.