Sudan: Security forces fire live ammunition, tear gas at protesters in Khartoum July 30 /update 115

Event

Sudanese security forces have reportedly fired live ammunition and tear gas to disperse protesters in Khartoum on Tuesday, July 30. The protests and associated clashes come after five people, including four students, were killed in El-Obeid (North Kordofan state) on Monday amid a demonstration denouncing fuel and bread shortages. Unconfirmed reports claim Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have run over protesters in Khartoum with their vehicles. Protesters have also reportedly gathered in Khartoum North, Omdurman, Kassala (Kassala state), and En Nahud (North Kordofan state) to protest the killings of student demonstrators in North Kordofan state.

A heightened security presence and widespread transportation and business disruptions are to be expected in Khartoum and other areas affected by protest activity. Continuing protests and clashes between demonstrators and security forces are to be expected in Khartoum over the coming hours and days.

Context

Security forces reportedly opened fire on protesters in Obeid (North Kordofan state) on July 29, killing at least five people and wounding several others. Dozens of students were reportedly marching in the city amid a demonstration against military rule when soldiers fired indiscriminately into crowd. Officials subsequently imposed an indefinite curfew from 21:00 to 06:00 (local time) across North Kordofan.

Political tensions remain high in Sudan after military officials claimed on July 24 that another coup d'état attempt against ruling generals had been foiled. At least a dozen people were arrested. The alleged coup attempt marks the second coup d'état plot thwarted this month in Sudan and comes as the ruling Transitional Military Council (TMC) and opposition-led groups are working to settle a power-sharing deal that would outline a three-year transition process that culminates with elections.

The TMC came to power after removing President Omar al-Bashir from office on April 11 following months of protests. Initially, the council announced it would rule until presidential elections could be held in two years. A sit-in demonstration was held in Khartoum until June 3 to demand increased civilian participation in negotiations, when it was violently dispersed by security forces. On July 3, opposition Alliance for Freedom and Change leaders agreed to participate in direct negotiations with the TMC; talks were previously suspended in May due to a dispute over whether a civilian or military official should rule the transitional body.

Advice

Individuals in Sudan are advised to monitor the situation, anticipate a heightened security presence, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments, refrain from nonessential movement, and avoid all protests due to the risk of violence.