Sudan: Opposition calls for night-time rallies June 18-20 /update 91

Event

Opposition supporters under the Alliance for Freedom and Change have called for night-time protests to take place in residential areas of Khartoum and other regions nationwide on June 18-20, to demand a transitional civilian rule and to condemn the June 3 military crackdown on protesters. The call comes as talks between the civilian opposition and the military council are expected to resume following an Ethiopian mediation.

Political tensions remain high in Sudan, and a heightened security presence is likely in throughout the country, particularly in Khartoum and its twin city Omdurman. Further strikes and demonstrations may be organized by opposition groups in the coming days and weeks, notably if negotiations break down with the military.

Context

Sudanese security and affiliated militia forces violently dispersed a sit-in demonstration outside the Defense Ministry in Khartoum on June 3, which prompted opposition supporters to organize a civil disobedience. Opposition-linked medics claimed that the death toll from the June 3 security operation had risen to 128, while the government announced 61 deaths.

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. On June 6, the African Union (AU) suspended Sudan from the organization until a civilian rule is established.

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.