Sudan: General strike planned on June 9 amid heightened tensions /update 87

Event

Opposition supporters have called for a nationwide general strike to take place from 12:00 (local time) on Sunday, June 9, to denounce the violent security forces' crackdown during the June 3 sit-in in Khartoum. As such, significant disruptions to daily activities (business closures, transportation disruptions) are to be expected across the country, amid a heightened security presence and increased political tensions. On Thursday, June 6, the African Union (AU) suspended Sudan from the organisation until a civilian rule is established. Related protests and sit-in demonstrations, notably in the capital Khartoum and its twin city Omdurman, are also to be anticipated. Clashes between protesters and security forces cannot be ruled out.

As of Friday, June 7, several airlines have maintained flight suspensions to Khartoum International Airport (KRT) following Monday's violence; it was not immediately reported when the airlines would resume regular flight operations. Internet and mobile data services have been blocked in various parts of the country by major Sudanese providers in recent days, with service blockages likely to continue over the near term.

Further disruptions to transportation (e.g. flight delays and cancelations), internet service, and business are to be expected in Khartoum and other urban areas in Sudan over the coming days and weeks. Additional opposition demonstrations over the near term may devolve into violent clashes with security forces.

Context

Sudanese security and affiliated militia forces violently dispersed a sit-in demonstration outside the Defense Ministry in Khartoum on June 3. Opposition-linked medics claimed that the death toll from the June 3 security operation had risen to 108, while the government announced 61 deaths. The updated figures come as Sudan's political opposition rejected the ruling Transitional Military Council's offer to resume talks amid growing international criticism of the regime over the killings.

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.

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. The UN also announced on June 5 that it would temporarily relocate non-program-critical staff from Sudan while continuing operations in the country. American and British diplomatic authorities have also warned their citizens to refrain from travel to the country until further notice. 

Advice

Individuals in Sudan, and particularly those in Khartoum and Omdurman, are advised to closely monitor the situation, anticipate additional security operations and significant transportation and business disruptions, refrain from nonessential movement, and avoid all protests and demonstrations due to the risk of violence.