17 Apr 2020 | 12:28 PM UTC
Sudan: Police fire teargas at pro-Bashir supporters in Khartoum April 16 /update 2
Police fire teargas at supporters of former president Omar al-Bashir during demonstration in Khartoum on April 16; further protests possible in the near term
Event
Police officers fired teargas at supporters of former president Omar al-Bashir who had gathered outside the army's command headquarters in Khartoum on Thursday, April 16. The demonstrators had gathered to demand the fall of the transitional government despite an ongoing ban on large gatherings due to restrictions put in place to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The protesters criticized Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok's recent austerity policies and a rise in the cost of bread and other goods.
Further demonstrations due to the political and economic situation remain possible over the near term in Khartoum. As a result of the ban on gatherings, clashes with security forces are possible during any such protests.
Context
On April 8, the transitional government raised bread prices, triggering unrest in Khartoum. It was Bashir's decision to triple bread prices in December 2018 which led to long-running anti-regime protests and led to him being deposed in April 2019.
Advice
Individuals in Khartoum are advised to monitor developments of the situation, avoid all demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.
