KHARTOUM – Medics said a protester was killed in Khartoum on Thursday as demonstrations against a military coup entered their sixth month across the country.
Thousands marched towards the presidential palace in central Khartoum, and were met with heavy tear gas launched by security forces, a Reuters reporter said. The sound of gunshots could be heard and injured protesters, including at least two with visible bloodstains, were seen carried away.
Security forces prevented the protesters from reaching the palace, and chased them into nearby neighbourhoods, the Reuters reporter said.
Members of the Central Reserve Police who were sanctioned last week by the US for using excessive force were deployed alongside other security forces.
Some protesters carried signs reading "April 6", referring to planned protests on the anniversary of the largest demonstrations against former President Omar al-Bashir in 2019, which resulted in a civilian-led transitional government. The October coup ended a power-sharing arrangement by civilian political groups and the military.
Parallel protests against the coup could be seen on social media in the cities of Port Sudan, Elobeid, Dongola, and Gadaref. The protests have taken on an increasingly economic nature as the country's currency has tumbled and prices sky rocket.
General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, who has led the country since the coup, travelled to Chad yesterday, after visiting Egypt on Wednesday.
"We will keep up pressure until there is an explosion and we will force the soldiers to step aside and regain democracy,"said Hassan Yasin, a 47-year old protester.