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Sudanese protesters camped outside the army headquarters in Khartoum for three days, urging the army to support calls for the resignation of President Omar al-Bashir. By STRINGER (AFP)
Sudanese protesters on Monday called for talks on the formation of a transitional government, while thousands braved a deadly crackdown for a third day to urge the military to support them.
The East African country has been shaken by more than three months of protests that erupted as a result of rising bread prices before turning into nationwide protests against the 30 years of reign of President Omar al-Bashir.
At the largest rally ever held, thousands of protesters have been camping around Khartoum's army headquarters since Saturday, where Bashir's residence and the Ministry of Defense are also located.
They ask the army to protect them and support calls for the resignation of Bashir.
"When the army is here, we will have no fear," protesters waving victory placards said as military vehicles and soldiers unfolded around the compound, spectators said.
The riot police fired tear gas at protesters, but the protesters failed to dislodge them.
According to officials, 38 people have died in demonstrations of violence since December.
Interior Minister Bushara Juma said seven protesters died on Saturday when forces tried to disperse them and 15 others were injured, as well as 42 members of the security forces. In all, 2,496 demonstrators were arrested.
The group that led the protests on Monday called the army for talks on forming a transitional government.
"We call on the Sudanese Armed Forces to speak directly to the Alliance for Freedom and Change in order to facilitate the peaceful process of forming a transitional government," said Omar el-Digeir, a spokesman for the government. one of the main members of the group.
According to Digeir, the protest organizers also formed a council to engage with security forces and the international community to reach an agreement on a transition to power for a "representative transitional government." the wish of the revolution ".
"We reiterate our people's demand that the regime's leader and his government must resign immediately," said Digeir.
Re-reading a statement, he also called on the armed forces to "withdraw their support for a regime that has lost its legitimacy" and "the people's alternative to the transition to civilian and democratic governance".
"Protecting the people"
Since protests erupted in Sudan in December, agents of the powerful National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) and riot police have cracked down on protesters, but the army has not intervened. .
Soldiers have erected barricades in the streets near the army compound after reinforcements from intelligence agencies and riot police arrived early in the morning, witnesses said in a statement. l & # 39; AFP.
"After that, the security forces started firing tear gas at protesters," said one of them under cover of anonymity.
Shots were also heard, witnesses said, but it was difficult to know who shot.
Map of Khartoum locating the Army Headquarters, Army Road and Omdurman. By Vincent LEFAI (AFP) Some activists in the field said that the army was firing in the air, but this could not be confirmed independently.
The organizers of the demonstration urged the army to protect the protesters.
"We want you, young officers and soldiers, to remain attached to the role of the national army, which is to protect the population," said the Sudanese Professionals Association.
A few hours later, security forces again fired tear gas at protesters, witnesses said.
The protest organizers urged residents of Khartoum and surrounding areas to join the protesters.
Crowds of people carrying food and water were then seen heading towards the complex to take part in the event, according to the spectators.
Some companies told employees not to go to work "until further notice".
The leaders of the Sudanese demonstration called on the army to protect protesters demanding the resignation of President Omar al-Bashir. By STRINGER (AFP) The rally in front of the headquarters of the army is the largest since the beginning of the demonstrations on December 19 in Atbara, in the city center, and has spread rapidly to the capital and to the towns and villages of the country. from East Africa.
The European Union said that an "unprecedented" number of people had come to claim a change since Saturday.
"The Sudanese people have shown remarkable resilience to extraordinary obstacles over the years," said the European Service for External Action.
"Their trust must be won by concrete actions of the government."
Economic mismanagement
The protesters blame the Bashir administration for being responsible for poor economic management that has resulted in soaring food prices and regular shortages of fuel and currency.
The Sudanese security council said Sunday that protesters' demands "must be heard" after a meeting chaired by the veteran leader.
Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir has been hit by the protests since last December's decision to triple the cost of bread. By ASHRAF SHAZLY (AFP) Bashir, wanted by the International Criminal Court in The Hague for alleged war crimes and genocide in the war-torn Darfur region, was brought to power by a 1989 Islamist-backed coup d'etat.
He remained provocative, introducing harsh measures that arrested protesters, opposition leaders, activists and journalists.
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