Protests in Sudan

Violent protests against the Sudanese government that began Sept. 22 in response to a government decision to cut fuel subsidies continued following noon prayers on Sept. 27. While previous protests in Sudan have been limited mainly to Khartoum and its environs, the current round of demonstrations has expanded beyond the capital and has reached a higher level of violence than prior cases of similar unrest. On Sept. 27, the heaviest protests were witnessed early in the day in the city of Medani, 160 kilometers (100 miles) southeast of Khartoum, where protests originally erupted on Sept. 22.

Ahead of Friday prayers, the Sudanese government reinforced security in the capital by airlifting military forces from across Sudan into Khartoum overnight. These forces have deployed along the main bridges, around the presidential palace and main mosques, as well as in areas near the international airport in south Khartoum that have seen large protests over the past few days.

The response of the security forces has also been particularly lethal, with reports of more than 50 protesters killed since the demonstrations began. Other reports, which cite the presence of the National Congress Party militia, as well as the use of live ammunition by police, may reflect the government's commitment to a swift and brutal crackdown. However, the army, which has also been deployed to restore calm, has reportedly refrained from firing. If previous protests in Sudan are a guide, the demonstrations could carry on for several weeks, although a heavy crackdown by the regime will likely force protesters off the streets in the long run.

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