Sudan : Allow Peaceful Protests

Further protests are expected across Sudan on December 31 and January 1, Sudan’s independence day, despite the government’s recent violent crackdown. President Omar al-Bashir gave a speech on December 30 apparently condoning use of force against peaceful protesters, raising concerns about more bloodshed.

The following may be attributed to Jehanne Henry, associate Africa director at Human Rights Watch :

“President al-Bashir appears to be making public speeches that justify excessive use of force instead of condemning this brutality. With more protests planned, Sudanese authorities should send an unambiguous message to all security forces to respect the rights of protestors and not to use lethal force. The authorities should immediately investigate all reported killings, injuries, unlawful detentions, and torture and ill-treatment of detainees and hold those responsible to account.”

Since December 19, Sudan’s government has violently dispersed protests using tear gas and live bullets, and by beating and arresting protesters in towns and cities across Sudan. Independent groups monitoring the situation estimate that more than 40 protesters have been killed by security forces ; scores have been injured and hundreds have been arrested.

Sudan’s national security service continues to detain protesters, students, opposition leaders, and activists without charge. All detainees are at risk of beatings and other abuses. In 2013, during Sudan’s violent crackdown of popular protests, over 170 protesters were killed, most by bullet wounds to the head and chest. To date, no one has been held to account for the killings.