Security forces overwhelmed the streets of central Khartoum on Thursday, as they attempted to block the latest series of demonstrations against military rule in seven months.
Thousands of protesters marched towards the presidential palace in downtown Khartoum, the most seen in about two months, calling for civilian leadership and opposing the October 25, 2021 military coup.
“We will continue until the end,” said Abdallah Mohamed, a 28-year-old protester. “Either we die or we win civilian rule. Our only hope for life is to achieve democracy.”
Since January, the country has been without a prime minister, resulting in political paralysis and an economic downturn after military leadership deposed a joint civilian-military government.
An ongoing process sponsored by the United Nations and the African Union has yet to produce an agreement between the country’s main political factions and the military.
According to reports, protesters were met by approximately 2,000 police officers as well as the Central Reserve Forces, which have been sanctioned by the United States for alleged human rights violations.
Security forces surrounded the protest route, launching tear gas at protesters beginning about 3.5 kilometres away from the palace.
Security forces have killed at least 96 people in protests since October, and thousands have been injured. Dozens of protesters and activists are still detained.