As Sudan Prepares for Protests, U.S. Warns Generals Against Violence
The New York Times
Activists called for a “march of millions” on Saturday, days after the military seized power. American officials said peaceful demonstrations must be permitted.
NAIROBI, Kenya — Large protests were expected across Sudan on Saturday, as pro-democracy groups planned to defy the military coup this week that ushered in a new era of uncertainty for one of Africa’s largest countries.
Activists were calling for a “march of millions” days after Lt. Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the military chief, dissolved the joint civilian-military government that took shape after the 2019 ouster of Omar Hassan al-Bashir, Sudan’s longtime dictator. On Monday, General al-Burhan ordered the arrests of the prime minister and other top civilian leaders, imposed a nationwide state of emergency and said the military would establish a new government. He promised elections in July 2023.
The news led to widespread demonstrations, as protesters in the capital, Khartoum, and other Sudanese towns and cities called for a return to civilian rule. Security forces responded with violence, killing at least seven people and injuring 170 others, according to the pro-democracy Central Committee of Sudanese Doctors. Professional and trade unions called for civil disobedience; many banks, schools and shops closed their doors, and many federal and state government workers stayed home.