Sudan: Demonstrations likely in Khartoum and other major cities through at least late March /update 1

Event

Activists are likely to stage protests in Khartoum and other major Sudanese cities through at least late March to demand that the country's military leadership transfer political power to civilian authorities and to denounce increasing economic hardship. Disruptive anti-coup protest activity and accompanying clashes have been regularly reported in the capital and other cities since the Oct. 25 coup d'etat, including in March.

Authorities will almost certainly deploy a heightened security presence along key thoroughfares and near government buildings amid protest activity. Security forces may close bridges in the Khartoum area to prevent protesters from gathering; activists will likely block roads. Clashes between protesters and security forces will probably accompany disruptive demonstrations; security forces will likely attempt to forcibly disperse protesters. Business disruptions are likely in areas affected by protest activity and associated clashes.

Context

Thousands of people have participated in large anti-coup demonstrations in several Sudanese cities since the Oct. 25 military takeover. Clashes regularly break out between protesters and security personnel during such gatherings, with security forces often using tear gas, stun grenades, and live ammunition to forcibly disperse activists. Dozens of civilians have been killed and thousands of others wounded in the protests. On March 21, US authorities imposed targeted sanctions on the Republic of the Sudan Central Reserve Police (CRP) citing serious human rights abuse, including the use of excessive force against civilians.

Anti-government protests denouncing shortages of goods and rising prices have also been periodically reported in Sudan since December 2018 and have garnered increasingly broad support from a coalition of civil society groups and political organizations amid increasing economic hardship. Sudan's exports declined more than 85 percent in January 2022 and the country's currency has declined in value on the black market. A lack of foreign assistance following the October coup d'etat has exacerbated budget pressures, forcing the government to increase prices on a broad range of goods and services.

Advice

Avoid all protests due to the likelihood of associated violence. Exercise caution near likely demonstration sites. Leave immediately and take refuge in a secure, nongovernmental building if violence erupts. Monitor local media for details concerning protest activity, as organizers may not announce plans in advance. Follow instructions issued by local authorities.