Facebook icon
Twitter icon
e-mail icon

Protests against Sudan coup as military dissolve civilian government

Sudan Protest 2019

A coup is currently underway in Sudan, where the military has dissolved civilian rule, arrested political leaders and declared a state of emergency.

In response to the dissolution of civilian rule, protests have erupted in several cities including the capital Khartoum. Three people are said to have been killed after being shot by armed forces, BBC reports. 

More protesters are expected to join the crowds after calls for action by political parties and professional unions. Doctors have refused to work at hospitals and any institutions under military rule, except in emergencies.

In response to the protests, the miliary and paramilitary troops have been deployed across Khartoum, while the city's airport has been closed and international flights have been suspended. The internet is also down.

It is estimated that 80 people have been injured and at least three people have been killed, after being shot by soldiers, The Sudan Central Doctor's Committee reported. Doctors have also refused to hand over injured protestors to the military as they searched hospitals. 

The military and civilian transitional authorities have ruled together since 2019, when President Bashir was toppled after months of street protests. The power-sharing deal between the military and a loose coalition of groups - the Forces for Freedom and Change - saw the launch of the Sovereign Council. It was scheduled to rule the country for another year - with the aim of holding elections and transitioning to civilian rule.

But the deal was always fractious, with a large number of rival political groups - and divisions within the military too.

Read more at BBC News and The Guardian

We need your support

Sri Lanka is one of the most dangerous places in the world to be a journalist. Tamil journalists are particularly at threat, with at least 41 media workers known to have been killed by the Sri Lankan state or its paramilitaries during and after the armed conflict.

Despite the risks, our team on the ground remain committed to providing detailed and accurate reporting of developments in the Tamil homeland, across the island and around the world, as well as providing expert analysis and insight from the Tamil point of view

We need your support in keeping our journalism going. Support our work today.

For more ways to donate visit https://donate.tamilguardian.com.