Sudanese Security forces clash with anti-coup protesters
December 30, 2021
Security forces fired teargas and live rounds at anti-coup protesters demonstrating across Sudan on Thursday.
The Sudan Doctors Committee said soldiers and police shot and killed at least four people in the city of Omdurman.
The independent group added many demonstrators were wounded in the violent clashes.
According to eyewitnesses, similar scenes played out elsewhere in the country.
In the capitol Khartoum demonstrators came close to the presidential palace, currently the headquarters of the military chief, General Abdel-Fattah Burhan, before they were met by a heavy security presence.
The government sealed off large parts of the city and shut down the internet and other communications services.
Shipping containers were used to block the bridges over the Nile that connect Khartoum with the northern suburbs and the city of Omdurman.
Over the weekend, the bridges were similarly blocked during protests involving tens of thousands of people.
Why are there protests?
Pro-democracy activists have been able to maintain momentum on the streets for their movement against the October 25 coup.
On that day, the military deposed civilian Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok. Forces held him under house arrest for weeks.
In November, the US sealed a partnership deal with Hamdok. It saw him reinstated with elections promised for 2023, though his credibility took a blow in the process.
Critics assert that the deal was a present for the military and provided the veneer of legitimacy to the coup.
Protesters are calling for a return to civilian rule.
Sudan still lacks a functioning state.
What has happened during the protests?
The Independent Doctors Committee charges that Sudanese security forces have caused 52 deaths in their efforts to squash the protests.
The UN said at least 13 women and girls were raped during protests on December 19. Activists have also condemned the sexual violence that day.
US 'deeply troubled' by use of force
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Washington was "deeply troubled" by reports of lethal force being used against protesters.
The US embassy has called on Khartoum to exercise restraint ahead of the protests.
In a statement, the embassy said it "reiterates its support for peaceful expression of democratic aspiration, and the need to respect and protect individuals exercising free speech."
The Americans also asked "authorities to refrain from employing arbitrary detention."
Much international aid was cut following the coup and has yet to resume in earnest.
Major aid organizations see even a semifunctioning state as a requisite for the resumption of funds and services.
lo,ar/rt (AFP, Reuters)