Thousands march across Sudan for civilian rule despite tight security

Waving flags, beating drums, dancing and chanting, large crowds marched in several cities as security forces blocked bridges, cut phone lines and restricted the internet.

Security forces used tear gas to disperse those attempting to approach the palace.
AFP

Security forces used tear gas to disperse those attempting to approach the palace.

Thousands of Sudanese protesters have rallied two months on since a military coup, demanding soldiers "go back to the barracks" and calling for a transition to civilian rule.

Sudanese security forces fired tear gas to disperse protesters in Khartoum on Saturday as demonstrators took to the streets in the country's capital and elsewhere.

The marches started in different locations, from where the protesters meant to converge on the presidential palace. 

Authorities had warned protesters against approaching “sovereign and strategic” sites in central Khartoum — a reference to main government buildings and key institutions.

The city’s Security Committee said Sudanese forces would “deal with chaos and violations,” state-run SUNA news agency  reported.

Rallies were also underway in other cities, including Atbara, Port Sudan, Medani, Nyala and Elobied. There were no immediate reports of injuries.

READ MORE: Sudan PM Hamdok intends to resign 'within hours'

AFP

Protesters online had encouraged supporters with slogans, including demanding "no negotiations" with the army.

Troops deployed earlier

Officers had earlier blocked bridges connecting the capital to suburbs, cut phone lines and restricted the internet ahead of the planned protests.

Last weekend, security forces violently dispersed demonstrators when they attempted to stage a sit-in near the presidential palace.

At least three protesters were killed, and more than 300 were wounded on Sunday. 

There were also allegations of sexual violence, including rape and gang rape by security forces against female protesters, according to the United Nations.

At least 48 people have died in crackdowns during weeks of protests, according to the independent Doctors' Committee.

Volker Perthes, the UN special envoy for Sudan, urged security forces to “protect” the planned protests, and refrain from arresting people for simply wanting to take part in the demonstrations.

“Freedom of expression is a human right. This includes full access to the internet. No one should be arrested for his or her intention to protest peacefully,” he said in a Twitter post.

Activists say more demonstrations are planned for December 30.

READ MORE: Five memorable protests that shook the system in 2021

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