Sudan – Thousands of Sudanese came to the streets of the country’s capital, Khartoum, on Sunday to commemorate three years of protests that sparked a popular movement that saw longstanding President Omar al-Bashir overthrown. Security officers allegedly shot tear gas at protestors near the presidential palace in the capital, who were chanting against the current military chief, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, who staged a coup on October 25.
“Any coup is rejected. The glorious December revolution was for the purpose of a civil institution and complete civil power, not for the sake of individuals,” says the statement. Sudanese protester Ammar Abdelrahim stated. “I am here because I fully oppose this entire political deal because it does not reflect the people,” Muhammad Omar remarked. Protesters chanted, “The people demand Burhan’s downfall!” The generals had held the civilian leader and Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok under house arrest for weeks before releasing him on November 21.
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Many of Hamdok’s pro-democracy followers, on the other hand, saw the move as creating a veneer of legitimacy for Burhan’s coup. Late Saturday, Hamdok, who has claimed that he wishes to avoid more violence, warned of “the country’s fall toward the abyss,” imploring protestors to exercise moderation. “We’re confronting a significant setback in the course of our revolution today that jeopardizes the nation’s security, unity, and stability,” Hamdok added.
“No negotiation, no partnership, and no legitimacy,” protest organizers have pledged in a major motto. Security personnel have violently dispersed previous protests against the military takeover. At least 45 people have been killed and dozens more have been injured around the country, according to the independent Doctors’ Committee.
Authorities closed bridges connecting the capital Khartoum and its twin city, Omdurman, on Sunday, but enormous masses gathered anyhow. “The crowds are massive, and security officers are unable to control them,” Mohamed Hamed, who witnessed the protests in Omdurman, said.