On 30 June 2020, anti-government demonstrations broke out in the capital city Khartoum, as well as in its adjacent cities of Khartoum North and Omdurman. Hundreds of thousands of protesters chanted slogans, burned tires and marched throughout the cities to mark the one-year anniversary of the “million-man march” and call for justice against the perpetrators of violence during the 2019 march. In response to the anniversary demonstrations — which coincide with the day that former President Omar al-Bashir came to power in 1989 — the government closed roads and bridges leading to Khartoum and deployed security forces. In the capital, police officers deployed tear gas to disperse anti-government protesters marching toward Khartoum International Airport (HSSS/KRT). Multiple protesters were injured during the clashes In Omdurman, one protester was shot and killed. A government spokesperson stated later on 30 June that authorities will work to fulfill the protesters’ demands.
Analyst Comment: Opposition groups are increasingly frustrated with the slow-pace of political reforms under the country’s interim government ahead of planned elections in 2022. Organizations with assets and personnel in Sudan should closely monitor the forthcoming political developments.
