On June 30, 2022, Sudanese security forces were reported to have killed at least eight demonstrators by firing live rounds and tear gas during protests against military rule. Tens of thousands participated in these demonstrations across the country, with significant protests in the city of Madani. Witnesses reported that protesters marched to the home of a demonstrator killed earlier and then proceeded to the state government building. These protests, alongside widespread barricades and a general strike, have persisted since the military seized power.
Sudan’s military coup on October 25, 2021, led to the arrest of numerous officials from the transitional government. This marked the second coup since a popular uprising in April 2019 ousted longtime leader Omar al-Bashir. The military’s actions sparked nationwide protests and drew international condemnation, with widespread calls for a return to civilian governance and democratic principles. The United Nations, African Union, and regional bloc IGAD have all advocated for Sudanese-led negotiations to resolve the crisis.
Legal and International Responses
The African Commission’s Resolution 515 on Unconstitutional Changes of Government in Africa condemned the coups in Sudan, Mali, Guinea, and Burkina Faso and the attempted coup in Guinea-Bissau. The resolution highlighted the loss of lives and violations of democratic principles and the rule of law. It urged national human rights institutions, civil society organizations, and stakeholders to promote respect for human rights and democratic governance.
European diplomats, including representatives from France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and the EU Delegation in Khartoum, issued a joint statement urging Sudanese authorities to guarantee freedom of expression. They emphasized that protests should remain peaceful and be protected by security forces.
Despite these calls, Sudan’s coup leader, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, stated that the transfer of power to civilians would require national agreement or elections, asserting that it “cannot be implemented through chaos, sabotage, or provocation.” Authorities reportedly closed bridges in Khartoum to prevent protesters from Omdurman and Bahri from reaching the presidential palace and the headquarters of the military-led Sovereign Council. Additionally, concerns arose about the disruption of mobile internet access, which Human Rights Watch reported was cut off for nearly three weeks.
Legal Framework on Internet Shutdowns
Access to information is protected under Article 9(1) of the African Charter. Any government action that unlawfully disrupts the flow of information constitutes a violation of this fundamental right. The ECOWAS Community Court of Justice affirmed this in Amnesty International Togo v. The Togolese Republic (ECW/CCJ/JUD/09/20), where it held that deliberate internet shutdowns by a state could violate the right to freedom of expression enshrined in the African Charter.
Additional International Reactions
On July 18, 2022, the United States Congress released Concurrent Resolution H.Con.Res.59, condemning the October 25 coup in Sudan. The resolution demanded the immediate release of all civilian government officials, civil society members, and other individuals detained in connection with the coup.
Conclusion
Although General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan announced the military’s intention to step aside for civilian forces, reports of continued violence against demonstrators and military control over Sudan’s central bank and foreign policy have fueled skepticism about these intentions. The international community continues to urge the Sudanese military to respect the rights of peaceful protesters and refrain from violence. They call for genuine steps toward democratic governance, urging the military to return to their barracks and advocating for punitive measures against military leaders who obstruct the democratic process.
A sustained commitment to human rights, democratic governance, and international accountability is crucial for Sudan’s peaceful transition to civilian rule. Only by safeguarding the fundamental rights to freedom of expression and assembly can the aspirations of the Sudanese people for democracy truly be realized.
