At least eight people are reported dead after Sudan’s security forces opened fire at protesters on Monday.
Gunshots were fired to disperse protesters who continue to demand a civilian regime after the overthrow of former leader, Omar al-Bashir.
On Monday protesters said Sudan’s security forces tried to break up the sit-in outside the army headquarters in Khartoum.
Several others have sustained injuries during the breakup exercise by the security forces.
The Sudanese Professionals Association, which is spearheading nationwide protests has issued a statement saying “Now an attempt is taking place to disperse the sit-in.”
The protesters have also attempted fending off the security forces by burning tyres and barricades.
But the military council has denied ordering the shootings and attempting to disperse protesters.
Sudanese security forces’ attacks against protesters and other civilians is wrong and must stop. Responsibility falls on the TMC.
— US Embassy Khartoum (@USEmbassyKRT) June 3, 2019
Push for civilian regime
Since the military coup that toppled Bashir’s regime, a Transitional Military Council (TMC) has been governing the country.
Footage of University Street (شارع الجامعة) in #Khartoum this morning after forces enter sit-in. 6 injuries so far. Power shut off at 3am before security forces attacked. Security forces seen in video here: https://t.co/GZ2qIzC3jt #اعتصام_القياده_العامه H/T to @ibr_2196 for ? pic.twitter.com/cvP1BfdCV9
— Benjamin Strick (@BenDoBrown) June 3, 2019
Bashir was overthrown in April, triggered by the same protests that the current military rulers are trying to disrupt.
This is footage of University Street (شارع الجامعة) #Khartoum, in the background we can see the sit-in at Buri Rd. People are running and there is lots of gunfire. H/T to @ibr_2196 for ?. The part of Buri Rd you can see is here: https://t.co/uQ1h4kbaaN #اعتصام_القياده_العامه pic.twitter.com/RDMC5ciyqs
— Benjamin Strick (@BenDoBrown) June 3, 2019
Footage filmed by security forces during break up of peaceful protest at the General Command sit-in on Buri Rd in #Khartoum. Video geolocated to here: https://t.co/AOttholj9F H/T to @_AbdoodbA_ for ?
#اعتصام_القياده_العامه #تسقط_بس #مجزرة_القيادة_العامة #SudanUprising pic.twitter.com/89ng4bD5MA— Benjamin Strick (@BenDoBrown) June 3, 2019
Last month talks resumed between the military council and opposition groups as both sides push for a civilian-led transition to democracy.
Footage captured from livestream shows force used to enter sit-in. Many confimed gunshot wounds. Footage from Buri Rd in front of Navy HQ in #Khartoum, located here: https://t.co/IZZOHEKNLf H/T @EhabTheBeast #اعتصام_القياده_العامه #تسقط_بس #مجزرة_القيادة_العامة #SudanUprising pic.twitter.com/LbmdRzJqPQ
— Benjamin Strick (@BenDoBrown) June 3, 2019
A sad morning for #Sudan. Footage from Blue Nile Bridge Rd & Al-Mahdi Streets show moment when security forces broke into sit-in. Street you are viewing is here: https://t.co/a2We8myTzg H/T to @ashgaaly for ? #اعتصام_القياده_العامه #تسقط_بس #مجزرة_القيادة_العامة #SudanUprising pic.twitter.com/NuIpVDvsxp
— Benjamin Strick (@BenDoBrown) June 3, 2019
Both sides have earlier agreed to a three-year transition period but other details of composition and who holds the upper hand are outstanding.
The military still has an ultimatum of 60 days from the African Union to meet to ensure that there is a transfer of power to a civilian team.
Source: Africafeeds.com
