17 Dec 2019 | 05:57 AM UTC
Sudan: Commemorative events scheduled in Atbara December 19
Revolutionary activists schedule demonstration in Atbara on one-year anniversary of opposition movement on December 19; heightened security presence and localized transportation disruptions expected
Event
The Sudanese Professionals Association (SPA) and other civil society groups have called for a demonstration in Atbara on Thursday, December 19, to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the opposition protest movement that began in the city. Organizers did not immediately announce details regarding a time or location for the commemorative event in Atbara as of Tuesday, December 17. The SPA has called on its supporters to gather at Khartoum railway station from 07:30 (local time) and at Khartoum North railway station from 08:00 on Thursday in order to travel to Atbara. It also said that it will announce more commemorative demonstrations in the coming days, including in Khartoum on Wednesday, December 25.
A heightened security presence and localized transportation disruptions are expected near all protest sites.
Context
Opposition rotests broke out on December 19, 2018, as hundreds of protesters gathered in major urban centers - notably in Atbara (Nile River state), Al-Qadarif (Al-Qadarif state), Port Sudan (Red Sea state), and Khartoum - initially to demand increased government transparency and the implementation of anti-inflation measures; their demands since broadened to demand that former President Omar al-Bashir, in power since 1989, step down.
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). On August 20, the ruling TMC and civilian opposition leaders announced the formation of a sovereign council aimed at governing the country during the transition to civilian rule. It is expected to remain in place for three years and three months before democratic elections are held in the country.
Advice
Individuals in Khartoum are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, anticipate localized transportation disruptions, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities.
