Military Government Launches Attack on Pro-Democracy Demonstrators

Khartoum Sudan – For over two months protesters have gathered together for a sit in in Sudan’s capital. They have congregated to together by the thousands to protest the military government and have called their nations leaders to hand over power to the people.

The current regime headed up by Mohamed “Hemedti” Hamdan Dagalo ordered its troops to disperse the protesters. The Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a group infamous for its violence, stormed the protest square and began to assault the demonstrators organized by the Alliance for Freedom and Change. Live rounds were used and the death toll rose throughout the day.

Khartoum, Sudan by Christopher Michel



A spokesman for the regime claimed on national tv that the encampment had become unsafe. He said “We believe the sight of the sit in has become a hub for all kinds of criminal acts.” He went on to claim that they were acting in the interest of public safety. Evidence does not seem to support that claim.

What Has the Military Said?

Within hours of the attack a spokesman for the military said “The military council decided to stop negotiating with the Alliance for Freedom and Change,” the government has said they will move ahead with elections without the participation of the opposition group. This raises concerns over the fairness of these elections.

The Alliance for Freedom had Previously expressed doubt as to whether the military is acting in good faith, or just out to preserve their own power. They organized these protests to put pressure on the military to leave immediately. The group has claimed much attention overseas, which would explain why the military deciding to break up them up.

Who Is Hemedti?

Hemedti served as Omar al-Bashir’s right hand man. He was an accomplice in scorched earth policies under the former dictator. When Bashir was removed from office, Hemedti was made the leader of the ruling military council. This has, among other things, led protesters to feel that power has not really shifted away from the old system. They believe the nation’s leaders are just as authoritarian under Hemedti as they were under Bashir. Tensions have been rising over the last month as several small skirmishes instigated by Hemedti’s forces have left dozens dead.

Up till now there were only relatively minor assaults on demonstrators. but it seems like the military council will no longer abide the protesters. They are now willing to openly shoot them in the streets.