Khartoum protesters demand justice for the killed

Hundreds of protesters marched through central Khartoum to demand justice for people killed in demonstrations against Sudan’s former ruler Omar Al Bashir.

More than 250 people were killed and hundreds injured in the months-long protests that erupted in December last year, according to umbrella protest movement Forces of Freedom and Change.

On the worst day of the uprising, officials say 87 people were killed and 187 injured in a crackdown on protesters by security forces. Dozens of bodies were dumped in the River Nile. Protesters say the death toll was closer to 130.

Mr Al Bashir, who ruled Sudan with an iron fist for 30 years, was deposed by the army on April 11 after the demonstrations triggered by an acute economic crisis.

An investigation was launched into the killings in October. The commission is led by veteran human rights lawyer Nabil Adib and it has the right to summon officials and comb through official documents. It will report to the government in January, but can ask for an extension of a month depending, on progress.

Protesters said that the investigation – and consequences for those at fault – were taking too long.

Crowds marched from a central Khartoum square to Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok’s offices on Saturday, demanding authorities deliver justice and provide information about protesters who went missing.

“Blood for blood,” chanted protesters gathered in front of Mr Hamdok’s offices in the capital, AFP reported.

Dozens of policemen stood guard as protesters, many whistling, clapping and ululating, shouted revolutionary slogans.

“We want justice for martyrs. We are afraid that the criminals might not be judged,” said protester Nizar bin Sufian.

He said demonstrators welcomed Thursday’s decision by the new authorities to dismantle Mr Al Bashir’s regime and former ruling party.

“But we have not seen any moves by the government to find those missing or to begin trials of those responsible for the killing of protesters,” Mr bin Sufian said.

Mr Al Bashir and several senior members of his regime are in prison, while the veteran leader himself is on trial over corruption charges.

Since August, Sudan has been ruled by a joint civilian-military sovereign council headed by Gen Abdel Fattah Al Burhan.

A transitional Cabinet led by Mr Hamdok has been tasked with the day-to-day running of the country.

The sovereign council is tasked with overseeing an overall transition to civilian rule, as demanded by the protest movement.