Sudan: Rally planned in West Darfur state May 26

Event

The Sudanese Professionals Association (SPA) is organizing a demonstration march in Al-Junaynah (West Darfur state) on Sunday, May 26, to demand improved working conditions at the hospitals in the state. According to the SPA, several organizations representing health workers will participate in the protest, which will begin at 10:00 (local time) outside of the Al-Junaynah Teaching Hospital. Demonstrators will then march towards the Ministry of Health building where a speech will be given. Health professionals are also expected to temporarily cease working during the rally.

Heightened security measures and localized traffic disruptions are anticipated around the demonstration.

Context

The SPA has been leading protests throughout Sudan, particularly in Khartoum, in recent months. 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.

Advice

Individuals in Sudan, particularly in West Darfur state, 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.