Sudan reached this point due to a post-revolution political dilemma and stalling by army, remnants of Bashir regime and Muslim Brotherhood figures, RSF, regional actors. The Transitional Govt’s reforms and anti-corruption measures threatened the generals’ vast economic holdings, their traditional privileges might evaporate, and they feared prosecution for crimes of the al Bashir era. Their decades-long dominance left Sudan weak politically and economically. Unification of the exchange rate and elimination of tax and customs exemptions removed the advantages of the military establishment; they lost control of agricultural and industrial sectors held for 3 decades. The oil-rich south seceded, taking more than ½ of public revenues and 95% of oil exports. Now, access to Heavily Indebted Poor Countries initiatives, $2.5 billion grants and easy loans for 3 years meant foreign debt would drop from $56 to $6 billion. UN
Sudanese Professionals Assoc, doctors, lawyers, engineers, educated and organized workers formed the backbone of the uprising in 2019 and negotiated terms with the military. The informal grassroots Resistance Committees, crucial to the overthrow, are now furious at the usurpation of power. They want total civilian control of the transition. The generation that came of age during al-Bashir’s regime does not want another military dictatorship. Protesters denounced meddling from Egypt, UAE, Israel whom they accuse of collaboration with the coup makers. They are prepared for an extended standoff. Further instability could sow more division among the military, even with rank-and-file soldiers siding with protesters.
Forces confronted peaceful demonstrators with unprecedented, excessive violence, heavy tear gas and stun grenades. Troops were going house to house in Khartoum arresting local organizers. Protesters managed to advance to their destination, the Presidential Palace. In Omdurman, protesters were killed when Sec Forces fired live rounds and tear gas. There was incredible violence today, the situation in Omdurman has become very difficult. Our friends have died…Security Forces ran over several protesters with armored vehicles.
Forces launched a frenzied campaign in cities and towns, raided neighborhoods and detained and abused people, transferred them to detention centers and police stations, prevented wounded protesters from being treated or transported to hospitals, threw tear gas canisters at Al Araby TV crew. Forces raided Arbaeen Hosp, beating medical staff, injuring protesters, assaulting patients causing injuries. They besieged Khartoum Teaching Hosp, fired tear gas inside the building, stun grenades, beat medical staff and patients, prevented ambulances and medical personnel from crossing the bridge. Police stormed Pt Sudan Teaching Hosp in search of demonstrators and detained a wounded activist and medical personnel. Despite heavy crackdown, tens of thousands continue protests around the country.