Sudan crisis: What is happening in Sudan, what is the Blue for Sudan movement and why are people protesting?

SUDAN has been hit by a wave of violence by militia against civilian demonstrators with over 70 rape cases and 100 killed. 

Here's what we know so far on what has been going on in the African country on the brink of a civil war.^[1]

Sudanese protesters have been demonstrating since DecemberCredit: AFP or licensors

What is happening in Sudan?

Peaceful protests are being met with unbridled violence on the streets of Sudan^[2], as thousands of demonstrators rise up against a brutal militia.

Sudanese people first started protesting in December 2018 against the rule of former President Hassan al-Bashir, who resigned on April 11, 2019.

Their demonstrations were sparked by the government increasing the prices of everyday items such as bread and fuel in a bid to improve the economy, but soon spiralled into widespread discontent at al-Bashir's 20-year rule.

Members of Sudan's alliance of opposition and protest groups chant slogans outside Sudan's Central BankCredit: Reuters

Since April, Sudan has been ruled by a military council largely controlled by Gen Mohamed Hamdan "Hemeti" Dagolo, who was instrumental in the atrocities committed in Darfur.

The Transitional Military Council claims it needs to be in charge to retain order and security in Sudan - but the death toll suggests otherwise.

Pro-democracy demonstrators continue to be ignored as they stage sit-ins outside the army headquarters in Khartoum, in a bid for democratic rule.

On June 13, ousted President Bashir was charged with corruption relating to laws on "suspected illicit wealth and emergency orders".

Where is Sudan?

Sudan - officially the republic of Sudan - is a country in north east Africa.

It's bordered by Egypt to the north, the Red Sea to the north east and Eritrea to the east.

To the south is South Sudan and the Central African Republic, with Chad and Libya to the west.

The country has a population of nearly 43million and is sometimes referred to as North Sudan.

South Sudan was established as a new country in 2011 but a violent conflict broke out there just two years later.

Millions have been forced to flee, with many refugees living in Sudan, itself now rocked by crisis.

How many people have been killed?

Security forces have killed at least 124 people in the capital and across the country in a sweeping crackdown, according to protest organisers.

So far it's been revealed that over 700 people have been injured from the chaos in the African country.

Hospitals in Khartoum have also reported 70 cases of rape following attacks on protesters^[3].

Brunel university student Mohamed Mattar, 26, was killed while protecting women from Sudanese militia

What is the Blue for Sudan movement?

Mohamed Mattar, 26, was one of those killed in the protests.^[4]

The student at London's Brunel university ^[5] was shot on June 3 while protecting two women from Sudanese militia.

Social media users have been turning their profile picture blue - Mohamed's favourite colour - in a show of solidarity to all victims of the crackdown.

Twitter and Instagram are now awash with blue as they honour their memories and alert the world to the ongoing violence.

References

1. ^{^} what has been going on in the African country on the brink of a civil war. (www.thesun.co.uk)
2. ^{^} Peaceful protests are being met with unbridled violence on the streets of Sudan (www.thesun.co.uk)
3. ^{^} Hospitals in Khartoum have also reported 70 cases of rape following attacks on protesters (www.thesun.co.uk)
4. ^{^} was one of those killed in the protests. (www.thesun.co.uk)
5. ^{^} London's Brunel university (www.thesun.co.uk)