Unarmed Protesters Flee Sounds of Gunfire in Khartoum
A Facebook Live on January 18 shows a group of protesters marching in Sudan’s capital, Khartoum, and fleeing as the sound of gunfire rang out.
At least three people – two men, including a doctor, and a child – died on Thursday as a result of gunshot wounds inflicted by Sudanese security forces, according to Amnesty International, the Sudan Doctors Committee and other sources.
The demonstrations, which began in December, were sparked by rising prices and calls for President Omar al-Bashir to resign. Sudanese security forces responded with violent crackdowns, using tear gas and live ammunition against demonstrators on several occasions.
Amnesty International estimated on January 18 that more than 40 people had been killed in the protests. The organization called on Sudan’s security forces to end “their ongoing deadly onslaught on protesters and medical personnel.”
President Omar al-Bashir has been in power since 1989. On January 14, he reiterated that he would not step down, despite the protests. A constitutional amendment proposed this month would allow him to retain his position past the end of his term in 2020. Credit: Mosaab Hassouna via Storyful
