Sudan: Rallies continue in Khartoum despite curfew April 12 /update 61

Event

Residents in Khartoum continued to rally in the city overnight from Thursday, April 11, into Friday, April 12, despite a curfew that was put in place by the newly created Supreme Security Committee. Interim President Awad Mohamed Ahmed Ibn Auf ordered a curfew from 22:00 until 04:00 (local time) nationwide after being sworn into office earlier on Thursday. However, opposition political groups, including the Sudanese Professional Association (SPA), have called for supporters to continue to hold sit-in protests until a civilian government is formed. As of 08:00 on Friday, there have not been reports of security forces attempting to disperse the crowds; however, political tensions remain high and it is possible that the military may attempt to end the current protests. According to the Sudan Central Medical Committee, at least 13 people were killed by members of the security forces on Thursday in Khartoum, Atbara, Wad Madani, and Zalingei.

A three-month state of emergency remains in place and the border crossings will be closed until further notice. The US State Department issued a notice on Thursday calling for all non-emergency government employees to evacuate from Sudan as a precaution. All US citizens have also been warned from traveling to the country until further notice. Other Western government are also advising their citizens to avoid all but essential travel to Sudan as of April 12.

Heightened security measures and associated transportation disruptions are to be expected nationwide, notably in Khartoum, Khartoum North, and Omdurman, over the coming hours and days. Related clashes between protesters and security forces cannot be ruled out over the near term.

Context

President Omar al-Bashir was removed from office on April 11 following a military coup led by Defense Minister Awad Mohamed Ahmed Ibn Auf. Following the formation of the Supreme Security Committee, Auf announced that the military had dissolved the government, suspended the constitution, and will rule the country for two years as a transitional government, after which time fresh presidential elections will be held.

Anti-government protests began on December 19, 2018, as hundreds of protesters gathered in major urban centers. Protesters initially demanded increased government transparency and economic reforms but broadened their scope to demand the resignation of President Bashir, who was in power since 1989.

Advice

Individuals in Sudan, particularly those in Khartoum, are advised to closely monitor the situation, refrain from all nonessential travel, remain vigilant of their surroundings and be aware of possible spontaneous protest activities, adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments, and avoid all public gatherings and common demonstration sites due to the risk of violence and arrest.