Anti-Coup Protests Across Sudan... 3 Dead from Military Live Fire

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo Yujin] Amid widespread anti-coup protests across Sudan, the Sudanese military fired live bullets at demonstrators, resulting in at least three deaths.

On the 30th (local time), according to major foreign media including CNN, thousands of citizens took to the streets in major cities including the Sudanese capital Khartoum and the twin city Omdurman, calling for the withdrawal of the coup.

They expressed anger over the threat to the transition to democracy caused by the coup, chanting slogans such as "No to military rule, yes to civilian rule."

One protester said, "We came out to let the world know that we will not tolerate any military intervention in deciding the fate of our country."

The Sudan Doctors Committee, a medical organization, reported that the military fired live bullets and tear gas at protesters across the country this weekend, resulting in at least three deaths and over 100 injuries.

In Omdurman, gunshots rang out during the protests, and people were seen bleeding and being carried away. In cities in the central, northern, and western regions, sporadic protests continued. Protesters raised banners with phrases such as "Revolution, revolution, revolution" and "Retreat is impossible," raising their voices.

The Sudanese military staged a coup on the 25th, dissolving the transitional government and detaining Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, ministers, and civilian members of the Sovereignty Council, a joint ruling body involving the military and opposition. The military then declared a state of emergency and announced plans to hold general elections in July 2023.

According to the Sudan Doctors Committee, since the military takeover on the 25th, a total of nine people have died and 140 have been injured.

Meanwhile, the international community, including the United States, has expressed deep concern over the coup in Sudan.

Jeffrey Feltman, the U.S. Special Envoy for East Africa, stated, "The military must allow this weekend’s protests to be peaceful," adding, "The United States will closely monitor the situation."

Earlier, Josep Borrell, the European Union (EU) High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, expressed extreme concern on Twitter and said the EU is closely watching the situation.