Sudan: Several people injured in Khartoum May 15 /update 74

Event

At least eight people were injured after unidentified gunmen opened fire on protesters near the Nile street and the army headquarters in Khartoum on Wednesday, May 15, as hundreds of protesters continued their sit-ins and demonstrations.

Despite the violence, the Sudanese Professionals Association said demonstrations will continue on Thursday, May 16, as talks between the Transitional Military Council (TMC) and opposition Declaration of Freedom and Change Forces (DFCF) over a transitional governing body were halted for a 72-hour period later on Wednesday, following the incident.

Continuing demonstrations and associated clashes 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 since then held negotiations over the composition of the sovereign council - which would rule the country until the elections - and the duration of the transitional period, and were about to complete the agreement on a three-year transitional period overnight May 15-16, before it was halted.

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.