Sudan: Clashes leave at least six people dead across country April 29 /update 68

Event

On Tuesday, April 30, military officials claimed that six members of security forces were killed in clashes with protesters across Sudan on Monday, April 29. The clashes came amid heightened tensions over the formation of a joint military-civilian council following the ousting of President Omar al-Bashir on April 11. Demonstrators continued to occupy the area outside the army headquarters in Khartoum amid ongoing negotiations over the composition of the council.

Continuing demonstrations and associated clashes between protesters and security forces are to be expected in Sudan, particularly in Khartoum, over the coming days and weeks. Localized transportation and business disruptions are to be expected near demonstration sites.

Context

President Omar al-Bashir was removed from office on April 11 following a military coup led by Defense Minister Awad Mohamed Ahmed Ibn Auf. Following the formation of the Supreme Security Committee, Ibn Auf announced that the military had dissolved the government, suspended the constitution, and would rule the country for two years in a transitional government - known as the Transitional Military Council (TMC) - after which time fresh presidential elections would be held. However, Ibn Auf and his deputy resigned on April 12; Lieutenant General Abdel Fattah Abdelrahman Burhan was later named the head of the TMC.

A three-month state of emergency remains in place and Sudanese border crossings have been closed until further notice. The US State Department issued a notice on April 11 calling for all non-emergency government employees to evacuate from Sudan as a precaution. US diplomatic authorities have also warned US citizens to refrain from all travel to the country until further notice.

Advice

Individuals in Sudan, particularly those in Khartoum and the surrounding areas, are advised to closely monitor the situation, refrain from all nonessential travel, remain vigilant of their surroundings and be aware of possible spontaneous protest activities, adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments, and avoid all public gatherings and common demonstration sites due to the risk of violence and arrest.