Sudan: Protesters and military reach power sharing agreement July 5 /update 102

Event

African Union mediators announced on Friday, July 5, that a power sharing agreement has been reached between the ruling Transitional Military Council (TMC) and opposition leaders. Under the deal, a joint council will be formed with a rotational military-civilian leader. The council will rule for around three years when new elections will be held. Both sides also reportedly agreed to form an independent technocratic government and to conduct an independent investigation into the violence that has occurred in recent weeks. Associated rallies in support of the agreement are possible in the coming hours and days.

As of 04:30 (local time) on Friday, it is unclear if opposition and protest groups will still hold mass demonstrations scheduled for Saturday, July 13, and Sunday, July 14. Protests will likely be held if the agreement breaks down, particularly in the capital Khartoum.

Context

Tens of thousands of people participated in "March of Millions" rallies on June 30 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. On July 3, opposition Alliance for Freedom and Change leaders agreed to participate in direct negotiations with the Transitional Military Council (TMC); talks were previously suspended in May due to a dispute over whether a civilian or military official should rule the transition body.

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.