Sudan: Unidentified snipers shoot civilians, soldiers in Khartoum June 30 /update 96

Event

The deputy head of Sudan's ruling military council announced that unidentified snipers had shot at least three paramilitary soldiers and five civilians in Khartoum on Sunday, June 30, as thousands of protesters marched in the city to demand a transition to civilian-led rule. The reports come after local sources said protesters were marching toward the Ministry of Defense.

A heightened security presence and transportation disruptions (including due to roadblocks) are to be expected in Khartoum over the coming hours. Clashes are to be expected between protesters and security forces. The situation is rapidly evolving, and further details are still emerging.

Context

Sudanese security forces and affiliated militias violently dispersed a pro-civilian rule sit-in in Khartoum on June 3. More than 128 people were killed, and hundreds wounded in the assault on the protest camp. Protesters also reported several cases of rape and other atrocities.

Following months of protests, President Omar al-Bashir was removed from office on April 11 in a military coup. The military dissolved the government and formed the Transitional Military Council (TMC) and announced it would rule until presidential elections could be held in two years. An ongoing sit-in demonstration was held until June 3 to demand increased civilian participation in negotiations. Protests have slowly resumed since then.

Advice

Individuals in Sudan, particularly Omdurman and Khartoum, are advised to monitor the situation, anticipate transportation, business, and telecommunications disruptions and a heightened security presence, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments, refrain from nonessential movement, maintain redundant modes of communication, and avoid all protests due to the risk of violence.