Protests in Sudan mark third anniversary of Khartoum sit-in massacre

Sudanese security forces on Thursday attacked protesters demonstrating to mark three years since the Khartoum massacre.

Sudan's military council seized power from former President Omar Al-Bashir in April 2019 and was backed by Gulf allies the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

The coup was met with protests which led to violence against civilians and cuts to the internet. On 3 June 2019, at least 128 civilians were killed by the military during a peaceful sit-in in Sudan's capital.

Sudanese demonstrators on Thursday evening clashed with Sudanese police during demonstrations across Khartoum held to remember the massacre.

Security forces used teargas and sound bombs on young protesters who had blocked main roads and burned old tyres.

Security forces on Friday forced all bridges to Khartoum except the Halfaya and Soba bridges shut. The army placed concrete blocks in front of its general headquarters and deployed reinforcements to prevent demonstrators from reaching the vicinity of the 2019 sit-in.

Sudan has been reeling from deepening unrest since its military took over the country in a coup in October 2021, upending the fragile transition following the 2019 ouster of President Omar Al-Bashir.

The military takeover triggered widespread international condemnation and punitive measures, including crucial aid cuts by Western governments pending the resumption of the transition to civilian rule.