Sudan: Communist Party calls for nationwide rallies October 21

Event

The Communist Party of Sudan (SCP) and the Sudanese Professionals Association (SPA) are calling for nationwide demonstrations on Monday, October 21. Organizers are calling for 2 million people to participate in marches in all regions of the country and in the cities of Khartoum, Khartoum North, and Omdurman. Demonstrators are expected to gather outside of the Council of Ministers in Khartoum after the march. The marches are being organized to commemorate the October 1964 Revolution, as well as to demand the removal of former regime officials from the transitional government, the dissolution of the National Congress Party, and the elimination of corruption and terrorism. However, the Forces for Freedom and Change party have objected to protests on October 21. As of Wednesday, October 16, the exact meeting times and locations have not been confirmed.

A heightened security presence and localized traffic disruptions are expected around all protest sites. Clashes between protesters and security forces cannot be ruled out.

Context

Civilian opposition leaders and the former-ruling Transitional Military Council (TMC) created the transitional sovereign council on August 20 as part of a power-sharing deal. The TMC came to power after removing President Omar al-Bashir from office on April 11 following months of protests. 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.

Advice

Individuals in Khartoum, and Sudan more generally, 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.