Africa

Security forces tear-gas Sudan protesters

Sudanese security forces have fired tear gas and live ammunition to disperse protesters setting up barricades in Khartoum.

At least one person was killed in the northern district of Bahari according to doctors aligned to the opposition.

Campaigners called for ongoing civil disobedience from yesterday to make it as difficult as possible for the military to govern Sudan.

It comes days after a military crackdown left dozens dead.

A number of Sudan’s bank, airport and electricity workers were arrested ahead of a strike against the military rule, the main protest group says.

The Sudanese Professionals Association (SPA) says employees are also being threatened by the authorities to scare them into going to work instead of taking part in the nationwide strike.

The ruling Transitional Military Council (TMC) has made no comment.

The military took over Sudan after persistent protests led to the ousting of long-time President Omar al-Bashir in April. They promised a transition to civilian rule.

But pro-democracy campaigners say the military council cannot be trusted after last Monday’s crackdown against a sit-in demonstration in Khartoum – and they have rejected an offer of talks.

In a separate development, three opposition figures involved in mediation efforts have been arrested.

Groups of young men have set up barricades in roads as part of the civil disobedience campaign.

Most offices and businesses remain shut and traffic is light in the city, says the BBC’s Catherine Byaruhanga in the Sudanese capital.

There have been reports of gunfire as security forces maintain their deployments across most parts of the city.

Protest leaders have asked people to stay home and not work. They say that demonstrations are no longer possible because of the violent crackdown by the military.

“The civil disobedience movement was to begin yesterday and end only when a civilian government announces itself in power on state television,” the SPA said in a statement.

“Disobedience is a peaceful act capable of bringing to its knees the most powerful weapons arsenal in the world.”

The goal of the strike is to create an effective government shutdown that will make it hard for the military council to govern, the correspondent adds.

Opposition politician Mohamed Esmat was detained on Friday soon after his meeting with Ethiopia’s PM Abiy Ahmed, aides said.

Meanwhile, Ismail Jalab, a leader of the rebel SPLM-N group, and his spokesman Mubarak Ardol were arrested early on Saturday. –BBC

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