Day 62 of the Military Coup
Summary of Events
At least 22 cities came out today in Sudan's tenth round of mass demonstrations against military rule. This despite the fact that #SudanCoup leaders enacted a telecoms blackout from 6am to 10pm.
Mobile data services were completely suspended, along with local and international calls and SMS services. ADSL/wifi, which is unavailable to most Sudanese, remained operational.
#SudanCoup forces were heavily positioned in several cities, including Khartoum, Gedarif and Port Sudan.
In Medani, the protest day concluded with a public forum outside the state secretariat building; in AlDamer, River Nile State, #Dec25March concluded with a one-day sit-in.
In Port Sudan, protesters were heavily teargassed, beaten and arrested. Police also raided Port Sudan Teaching Hospital, arresting one injured protester and the medical staff who tried to prevent her arrest.
In Khartoum, bridges were closed by #SudanCoup forces, including McNimir Bridge, which was barricaded using shipping containers to prevent protesters from heading into Khartoum and joining others at the Presidential palace.
Home raids were carried out on Friday night, targeting activists & resistance committee members, with several arrests made. This morning, traffic in Central Khartoum was heavily curtailed by #SudanCoup forces, preventing citizens from driving to Christmas mass. Later, church goers leaving mass were teargassed as they tried to make their way home.
Protesters making their way to the Presidential Palace in Central Khartoum were attacked by #SudanCoup forces using teargas and rubber bullets. #SudanCoup forces also used a "skunk" - an apparatus used by Israeli IDF to suppress protests - which sprayed a dyed, malodorous liquid on protesters. The liquid reportedly also caused skin irritation, and tinted protesters' clothes, marking them for arrest.
As in Port Sudan, #SudanCoup forces also attacked injured protesters, patients & medics at Khartoum Teaching Hospital, firing teargas and stun grenades inside the premises.
In Omdurman, protesters were reportedly shot at with live ammunition by #SudanCoup forces.
Because of #SudanBlackout, the toll of today's mass demonstrations (deaths, injuries & arrests) is still unclear.
Still no word on Hamdok's resignation, which was rumored to happen 4 days ago. In any case, as with #Dec19March, today's events are proof that the November 21 agreement has done nothing to stop the violence, restore order or guarantee people's rights.
Further Reading
Sudan forces fire tear gas as protesters head to presidential palace.
Anti-Coup Protesters in Sudan Press Their Demand for Return to Civilian Rule.
