Sudan: At least five killed in violent crackdown in Khartoum June 3 /update 82

Event

Security forces forcibly dispersed the long-running sit-in in Khartoum on Monday morning (local time), June 3. At least five protesters were killed and dozens more wounded in the raid as of 09:30; activists claim as many as eight people were killed. Heavy gunfire was reported in central Khartoum, particularly near the army headquarters where the sit-in was being held. Security forces reportedly closed streets in the area and surrounded nearby hospitals. Further clashes are possible in the coming hours.

In the neighboring city of Omdurman, thousands of protesters blocked streets in protest, burning tires and erecting roadblocks. No security forces were reported near those protests as of 08:00.

Context

President Omar al-Bashir was removed from office on April 11 following a military coup. The military then dissolved the government, suspended the constitution, and announced it 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. Sit-in demonstrations have continued in Khartoum as activists demand increased civilian participation in negotiations. The military recently warned of "danger" to the ongoing sit-in protests following several weeks of sporadic violence.

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, and Khartoum in particular, are advised to closely monitor the situation, anticipate continued security operations and significant transportation disruptions, refrain from nonessential movement, and be prepared for continued violence.