At least 3 killed in mass protest against military

CAIRO — Tens of thousands of Sudanese took to the streets across the country Saturday in the largest pro-democracy protest yet since the military seized control early last week.

Three protesters were killed and dozens injured — several by live rounds — as security forces opened fire in several locations, a doctors’ union said. Monday’s coup, condemned by the international community, has threatened to derail Sudan’s fitful transition to democracy, which began after the 2019 ouster of long-time autocrat Omar al-Bashir. Since then, the military and civilian leaders have governed in an uneasy partnership.

Pro-democracy groups had called for protests across the country Saturday to demand the reinstatement of a deposed transitional government and the release of senior political figures from detention.

The United States and the United Nations had warned Sudan’s strongman, Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan, that they view the military’s treatment of the protesters as a test, and called for restraint.

Burhan has claimed that the transition to democracy would continue despite the military takeover, saying he would install a new technocrat government soon. But the pro-democracy movement in Sudan fears the military has no intention of easing its grip, and will appoint politicians it can control.

Crowds began to gather Saturday afternoon in the capital of Khartoum and its twin city Omdurman. Marchers chanted “Give it up, Burhan.” Some held

up banners reading, “Going backward is impossible.”

The demonstrations were called by the Sudanese Professionals’ Association and the Resistance Committees. Both were at the forefront of an uprising that toppled longtime autocrat Omar al-Bashir and his Islamist government in 2019. They are also calling for the dismantling of paramilitary groups and restructuring of the

military, intelligence and security agencies.

All three protesters killed Saturday were shot in Omdurman. One was shot in his head, another in his stomach, and a third in his chest, the Sudan Doctors Committee and protesters said.

The committee, which is part of the Sudanese Professionals’ Association, said security forces had used live ammunition

against protesters in Omdurman and nearby. Police denied using live ammunition.

Since the military takeover, street protests have been daily. With Saturday’s fatal shootings, the overall number of people killed by security forces since the coup rose to 12. More than 280 others were wounded.

Marwan Ali / Associated Press Demonstrators gather in Khartoum, the capital of Sudan, to protest the country’s recent military coup, which threatens to derail the country’s fitful transition to democracy.