Sudanese protesters reach the headquarters of the army



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Thousands of protesters across Sudan took part in what appears to be the largest round of rallies against President Omar al-Bashir since the demonstrations began in December.

In Khartoum, protesters reached the army headquarters for the first time. The presidential complex is nearby.

Security forces used tear gas and made several arrests.

The rallies mark the 34th anniversary of the coup that overthrew the regime of former president Jaafar Nimeiri.

Why do people protest?

The demonstrations were originally triggered by a rise in the cost of living, but now call for the resignation of the president, who has been in power for nearly 30 years.

The Sudanese economy has been under pressure since the United States imposed sanctions more than 20 years ago, accusing Khartoum of sponsoring terrorist groups.

A flawless stayYoung man covers his face to protect himself from tear gas during protests in Khartoum in February
Authorities used tear gas to try to disperse protesters

On December 19, 2018, the Sudanese government announced that the price of gasoline and bread would increase.

In the ensuing year, inflation was high as the Sudanese pound fell rapidly.

The announcement of the price hike triggered protests that resulted in calls for the resignation of President Omar al-Bashir.

His reign was marred by charges 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.

Who are the protesters?

The Sudanese Professionals Association (ASP) – a collaboration of health workers and lawyers – organized the protests.

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.

How did the president respond?

In February, he seemed to want to yield to protests and withdraw, but Mr Bashir declared the state of national emergency.

On April 5, President Omar al-Bashir sits in a green chair dressed in white at the National Dialogue Committee in his Khartoum Palace
President Bashir addressed the National Dialogue Committee in his palace on April 5

In the streets, security was heavy, with tear gas used indiscriminately and reports of mundane violence.

The Sudanese authorities have been accused of arresting prominent activists and targeting doctors, which the National Intelligence Service has denied.

According to the authorities, 31 people have died in protest-related violence so far, but according to Human Rights Watch, this figure seems more like 51.

The pressure group Doctors for Human Rights claims to have evidence of the murder, persecution and torture of peaceful protesters and medical personnel who take care of them.

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