Sudanese security forces fired tear gas and used ammunition at protesters rallying in the country’s capital and elsewhere on Thursday against an October military coup. The Sudanese medical group said at least four protesters were killed.
The Sudan Doctors Committee tweeted that there were deaths and several protesters were injured in the twin city of Omdurman in Khartoum.
The protests were the latest in almost daily demonstrations across Sudan – despite stringent security measures and the closure of bridges and roads. The October 25 military takeover that halted the country’s delicate transition to democracy,
People march to protest condemning the October military coup in Khartoum, Sudan, on Thursday. (Photo: AP)
During the day, thousands marched in Khartoum with drums and waving Sudanese flags. They raised the slogan “Revolution! The army is in the barracks!” Protesters also pelted stones at security forces and armored police vehicles, from where tear gas shells were fired.
Similar protests took place in other parts of the country, including Kasla and West Darfur provinces and the coastal city of Port Sudan.
The medical group asked doctors to go to hospitals in Omdurman to care for the casualties, saying many were “in critical condition.”
The committee is part of the Sudanese Professionals Association, which led the massive insurgency that led to the ouster of long-time autocrat Omar al-Bashir in 2019. The association said state-affiliated militias were blocking ambulances and medics from reaching the injured. ,
Thursday’s protests preceded the disruption of mobile internet, according to advocacy group Netblox, a common tactic employed by generals since the coup.
“Our position is clear; We oppose any negotiation, partnership or agreement with the army, said Shahnaz Jamal, a protester. “We came out today to bring down this (ruling military) council and form a civilian democratic government later.”
Despite internet disruptions, activists posted some videos showing masked protesters under clouds of gas.
In addition, Saudi-owned Al Arabiya Television and its Al Hadath news channel reported that Sudanese security forces raided his bureau in Khartoum and confiscated his equipment during the protests on Thursday. He also said that two of his correspondents were beaten up by Sudanese forces along with their camera crew.
The US embassy in Khartoum condemned the killing of four people and the wounding of dozens during Thursday’s demonstrations. “We also regret the violent attacks by Sudan’s security services on media outlets and journalists and urge the authorities to protect the freedom of the press,” the embassy tweeted.
The UN chief’s special representative for Sudan, Volker Perth, said he was “deeply disturbed” by reports of killings and attacks on the media. “Credible investigation of these violations is essential,” he tweeted. “All people have the right to express themselves in peace, the media must report freely.”
The death toll in the protests against Thursday’s coup has risen to at least 52, according to data from the Physicians’ Committee.
Prime Minister Abdullah Hamdok, a former United Nations official seen as the civilian face of Sudan’s transitional government, was reinstated last month amid international pressure in a deal that would put an independent technical authority under military oversight under his leadership. Cabinet demands.
However, that deal was rejected by the pro-democracy movement, which insists that power be passed entirely to the civilian government, tasked with leading the transition.
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