Sudan: Protests and strike to continue nationwide /update 8

Event

Journalists launched a three-day strike on Thursday, December 27, amid widespread violent anti-government protests ongoing since December 19. Journalists intend to denounce recent government repression against protesters and increased crackdown on journalists.

Furthermore, supporters of opposition groups have called on December 27 for further protests to take place in the coming days.

Heightened security measures and localized transportation disruptions are likely around any demonstration. Clashes between supporters and security forces are likely.

Context

Anti-government protests broke out on December 19 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. Hundreds of demonstrators marched on the Presidential Palace in Khartoum on December 25, to call for the fall of the regime. Police forces reportedly used tear gas and live ammunition to disperse the protesters in several instances. As unrest spread, curfews were implemented in at least eight cities, including in Kosti and Rabak (White Nile state), Al-Qadarif (Al-Qadarif state), Atbara, Al-Damir, and Berber (all River Nile state), as well as in Dongola and Karima (Northern state). International monitoring groups claim as many as 37 protesters have died since the movement began.

Advice

Individuals in Sudan are advised to monitor the situation, obey all instructions issued by the local authorities (including curfew orders), and avoid all protests as a precaution.