Khartoum's streets blocked as Sudan anti-coup protests continue

Khartoum's streets blocked as Sudan anti-coup protests continue
Thousands took part in protests against Sudan's coup in the capital city Khartoum after streets were blocked off on Tuesday evening.
2 min read
19 January, 2022
Thousands have protested against coup authorities in Khartoum [Getty]

Anti-coup protests in Sudan blocked streets across the capital Khartoum on Tuesday evening, with demonstrations continuing into Wednesday.

A group of activists called for civil disobedience in response to security forces killing at least seven people on Monday as thousands took part in a peaceful march against ruling General Abdel Fattah Burhan's coup against the civilian government last October.

The Alliance of Forces for the Declaration of Freedom and Change, the Resistance Committees, the Professionals Association, and other activist groups called for civil disobedience to begin on Tuesday.

Protesters who took part in the night demonstrations burned tires, chanted anti-coup slogans and closed streets, including Siteen Street, one of the most important thoroughfares in eastern Khartoum.

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Activists counted more than 20 closed streets in Khartoum, according to opposition news outlet Al-Rakoba.

The strikes and protests continued into Wednesday, with lawyers from the Public Prosecutor's office announcing that they will also begin striking from Thursday.

Pro-democracy activists have stepped up calls for demonstrations since the October coup which saw then-prime minister Abdalla Hamdok and cabinet ministers overthrown and detained.

The coup has triggered mass demonstrations and a bloody crackdown that has left at least 71 people dead and hundreds wounded, according to the independent Doctors' Committee.

At least 13 women have allegedly been raped during the unrest, according to the United Nations.

On 21 November, Burhan reinstated Hamdok in an agreement promising elections in mid-2023, but the protest movement slammed the deal as a "betrayal" and has kept up its protests.

Hamdok resigned as prime minister earlier this month.