01 Jul 2019 | 10:47 AM UTC
Sudan: Ongoing protest in Omdurman July 1 /update 98
Protesters gather in Omdurman, on July 1 to call for a new civilian government and denounce June 30 violence; increased security presence reported
Event
Hundreds of people are gathering in Omdurman, on Monday, July 1, to demand a transition to civilian rule and denounce the killing of at least seven protesters during nationwide protests on Sunday, June 30. Protesters are reportedly erecting barricades around the White Nile bridge. A heightened security presence, along with transportation disruptions, are likely in the area over the coming hours.
Tensions remain high and further clashes between protesters and security forces are possible. The Sudanese Professionals Association (SPA) and other opposition leaders renewed calls for peaceful demonstrations to continue until a civilian government is formed after the violence on Sunday. Internet service and telecommunication disruptions are ongoing and likely to continue over the coming hours.
Context
Tens of thousands of people participated in Sunday's "March of Millions" rallies to demand a transition to civilian rule and to mark the 30th anniversary of the coup that brought now-ousted President Omar al-Bashir to power. Opposition activists have reported at least seven people killed and over 200 wounded by live ammunition, tear gas, or batons. 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.
