Sudan: Demonstrators block roads in Omdurman May 14 /update 73

Event

Demonstrators blocked roads in Omdurman on Tuesday, May 14, protesting the deaths of five demonstrators during clashes in Khartoum on Monday evening (local time), May 13. At least one member of security forces was also killed in the Monday night clashes in the capital, which broke out shortly after the Transitional Military Council (TMC) and opposition Declaration of Freedom and Change Forces (DFCF) reported they had reached a partial agreement regarding a political transition.

On Tuesday, protesters rallied in the Abbassiya and Al-Arbaa areas of Omdurman, obstructing roads with burning tires, rocks, and bricks. The situation in Khartoum remained relatively calm, with the sit-in protest continuing outside the army headquarters without major incident.

Continuing demonstrations and associated clashes between protesters and security forces are to be expected in Sudan, particularly in Khartoum and Omdurman, over the coming days and weeks. Localized transportation and business disruptions are to be expected near demonstration sites.

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, Ibn Auf announced that the military had dissolved the government, suspended the constitution, and would rule the country for two years in a transitional government - known as the Transitional Military Council (TMC) - after which time fresh presidential elections would be held. However, Ibn Auf and his deputy resigned on April 12; Lieutenant General Abdel Fattah Abdelrahman Burhan was later named the head of the TMC. Opposition leaders and the TMC have held negotiations over the composition of the council, although both sides have disagreed on the scope of the military's role in the new government.

A three-month state of emergency remains in place and Sudanese border crossings have been closed until further notice. The US State Department issued a notice on April 11 calling for all non-emergency government employees to evacuate from Sudan as a precaution. US diplomatic authorities have also warned US citizens to refrain from all travel to the country until further notice.

Advice

Individuals in Sudan, particularly those in Khartoum and surrounding areas, 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.