Thousands of protestors took to the streets of Sudan‘s capital and other places across the world like Dublin, Ireland on Sunday to call for civilian rule after the army forced out autocrat Omar al-Bashir in April.
What We Know:
- The protests came in the middle of a standoff between the ruling Transitional Military Council (TMC) and protest leaders. The movement began in December, stemming from an economic crisis. Protesters remained in the streets after al-Bashir was overthrown and jailed, fearing that the military would cling to power or potentially preserve much of his regime.
- Sunday’s protest has been the largest since dozens were killed in the crackdown on pro-democracy activists June 3. The Sunday marches marked the 30th anniversary of the Islamist-supported coup that brought al-Bashir into power, according to AP News. Video clips that circulated online showed protestors running away from security forces in Khartoum and searching for shelter away from tear gas.
- Soliman Abdel-Gabar, the acting undersecretary of health, reported Sunday night that at least seven people died during the day’s disruption. He said 181 people were injured, including 27 with bullet wounds.
- The crowds gathered at several points across Khartoum and its twin city of Omdurman before marching toward the homes of those killed since the uprising began. “This is a very important day for the Sudanese people,” protester Hamdi Karamallah said.
- Discussions between the two sides over a power-sharing agreement collapsed earlier this month when security forces violently broke up a protest camp in Khartoum.
The talks have not continued despite mediation by the African Union and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
#Sudan 🇸🇩: incredible protest in the town of al-Hasaheisa (#Gezira state) where the entire town seems to be out in the streets to demand civilian rule. #SudanUprising#مليونيه30يونيو pic.twitter.com/QLJScHfPIK
— Thomas van Linge (@ThomasVLinge) June 30, 2019
