Sudan army shuts internet, deploys across Khartoum before anti-coup rally

Sudanese authorities have shut down mobile and internet services and security forces were deployed across Khartoum as pro-democracy protesters prepared to hold fresh protests.

Army, police, and paramilitary patrols crisscrossed the capital’s streets on Thursday, while shipping containers blocked the Nile bridges that connect it with its northern suburbs and the twin city of Omdurman.

An army checkpoint with an armored vehicle was seen stationed at one of the bridges that remained open.

The planned protest will be the 11th day of significant demonstrations since an October 25 coup, which saw Abdalla Hamdok removed and then reinstated as prime minister. The demonstrators have demanded that the military stays out of any government role during a transition to free elections.

The bridges were blocked off during the last protests on December 25, when tens of thousands took to the streets.

Protesters opposed to military rule reached near the presidential palace that day, despite the extensive deployment of tear gas and a communications blackout. The Central Committee of Sudanese Doctors said more than 200 people were injured during that protest, with six caused by live bullets.

AGENCIES