[ad_1]
Copyright of the image
AFP
The number of protesters in Khartoum rose again during the day
Elements of the Sudanese army have acted to protect protesters during deadly clashes in Khartoum between security forces and protesters, witnesses said.
The soldiers tried to hunt pickups picking up tear gas during the second night of an organized protest that called for the resignation of President Omar al-Bashir.
Protesters sought refuge in a naval facility, a witness said, as tension between the armed forces was exposed.
Seven protesters have been killed since Saturday, officials said.
Mr. Bashir, in power for nearly 30 years, has so far refused to claim the formation of a transitional government.
What happened on Sunday night?
A protester told the BBC's Newsday program that a number of pickup trucks have arrived and started firing tear gas and live ammunition at thousands of protesters sitting in the Sudanese capital.
She added that the army was neutral at first, but then tried to oust the security forces.
- The troubles in Sudan in 300 words
- "Why Sudan is firing on doctors"
Fergal Keane, editor-in-chief of BBC Africa, did not say who the security forces were, but also included agents from the powerful National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS).
According to the witness, the security forces returned for a second attack and people then went to a naval facility to shelter from prolonged fire.
Copyright of the image
AFP
An army vehicle pbades Monday morning to protesters near Army HQ
Ali Ibrahim, of the Sudanese Professionals Association (SPA), who organized the protest, told the EFE news agency that military units had fired in the air to prevent security forces from dispersing the sit-in.
A social media video showed protesters hiding behind walls when gunfire was missing.
The sit-in took place in front of the army headquarters and the AFP news agency, citing witnesses, said the army had now deployed troops around the building and was building barricades in the neighboring streets. The intentions of the army regarding the demonstration are not clear.
Information Minister Hbadan Ismail said the protesters in front of the headquarters had been "completely cleaned up".
Armed divisions?
Analysis of James Copnall, former BBC correspondent in Sudan
The Sudanese state has many armed groups and signs of tension are emerging between them.
Protesters accuse the NISS and a militia supporting President Bashir to try to drive them away. The militia is made up of former members of the Janjaweed, fighters accused of perpetrating numerous atrocities in Darfur.
In the last 48 hours, several demonstrators claimed that members of the Sudanese armed forces had protected them. However, many Sudanese continue to be suspicious of the armed forces because of their role in maintaining President Bashir in power and their conduct in the succession of civil wars in the country.
Some badysts believe that middle-ranking army officers sympathize with protesters, with senior officers more likely to be loyal to the president. But the position of all armed groups is now one of the key issues in Sudan.
How did this event start?
It began on Friday when protesters descended on the area outside HQ to demand the dismissal of Mr. Bashir and his government.
It was the biggest protest against the president since the beginning of unrest in December and marked the 34th anniversary of the coup that overthrew the regime of former president Jaafar Nimeiri.
Copyright of the image
Reuters
President Bashir declared the state of national emergency in February
The protesters seem to be hoping for a coup by the internal state, imploring the army command to dismiss Mr. Bashir and pave the way for a transitional government.
- "We are not cleaners" – badism amidst the protests
- How "unfaithful husbands" are linked to the demonstrations
According to Human Rights Watch, since the beginning of the unrest, the violence related to the protests has left 51 victims, although the authorities estimate the figure at 32, reports AFP.
Why do people protest?
The demonstrations were originally triggered by a rising cost of living, but protesters are now calling on the president to step down.
The Sudanese economy has been under pressure since the United States imposed sanctions more than 20 years ago, accusing Khartoum of sponsoring terrorist groups.
Multimedia playback is not supported on your device
In December, the government announced that the price of gasoline and bread would increase. In the ensuing year, inflation had risen as the Sudanese pound had rapidly lost value.
Mr Bashir's power was broken by accusations of human rights violations. In 2009 and 2010, the International Criminal Court (ICC) charged him with genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity. A warrant for arrest was issued against him.
In February, he seemed able to yield to protests and withdraw, but Mr Bashir declared the state of national emergency. He says protesters have legitimate grievances but should only replace him during elections.
Who are the protesters?
The SPA – a collaboration of health workers and lawyers – organized the events.
Multimedia playback is not supported on your device
Doctors have become a leading force and are therefore targeted by the authorities.
It is estimated that two-thirds of the protesters are women who say they protest against Sudan's badist and patriarchal society.
Have you recently taken part in the events? Get in touch by email [email protected]
Please include a contact number if you wish to speak to a BBC reporter. You can also contact us in the following ways:
- WhatsApp: +44 7555 173285
- Tweet: @BBC_HaveYourSay
- Send photos / videos to [email protected]
- Upload your photos / videos here
- Send an SMS or an MMS to 61124 or +44 7624 800 100
- Please, read our conditions of use and confidentiality
[ad_2]
Source link
