18 Mar 2019 | 06:54 AM UTC
Sudan: Students plan protest march in Khartoum, Omdurman March 18 /update 39
Students plan protest march in Khartoum and Omdurman on March 18; further protests and clashes with security forces likely
Event
The Sudanese Professional Association and Sudan Students Association called for a "march of martyrs" on Monday, March 18, in Khartoum. The students are expected to gather at various locations in Khartoum, Bahri, and Omdurman at 13:00 (local time), as determined by university groups. Transportation and business disruptions are possible near protest sites and universities and clashes with security forces cannot be ruled out. Further protests in Khartoum and other parts of Sudan are likely in the coming days and weeks.
Context
Protesters gathered in front of the National Intelligence and Security Service building on Sunday, March 17, ending when security forces dispersed the crowd with tear gas. 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. Protesters initially demanded increased government transparency and economic reforms but have since broadened their scope 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. Human rights groups claim that over 50 people have been killed and 1000 others arrested since the protests began.
President Omar al-Bashir declared a one-year state of emergency on February 22, dissolved the cabinet, and dismissed all state governors; the length of the state of emergency was subsequently reduced to six months by parliamentary vote, and is expected to remain in effect until August 2019. Bashir also banned all unauthorized rallies and gatherings on February 25, following weeks of anti-government protests. Opposition leaders have defied the declaration and have called on supporters to continue protesting.
Advice
Individuals in Sudan are advised to monitor the situation, avoid all protests and public gatherings due to the risk of violence and arrest, anticipate disruptions to transportation and business near demonstration sites, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.
