Internet service cut ahead of mass protests in Sudan

KHARTOUM, Sudan

Internet service was cut in Sudan on Thursday ahead of planned pro-democracy protests in the country, witnesses said.

Thursday’s demonstrations were called for demanding civilian rule and a reversal of last year’s military takeover. They come on the anniversary of a previous coup in 1989 that toppled the country's last elected civilian government and ushered in a three-decade rule of former President Omar al-Bashir.

According to eyewitnesses, Sudanese forces erected checkpoints and closed main roads ahead of the protests amid reports of arrests, according to eyewitnesses.

In a statement, the police said it will protect peaceful protests, but warned that it will defend itself against any attacks by protesters.

On Wednesday, a demonstrator was killed in Bahri city in the capital of Khartoum, according to local medics.

Major opposition groups have announced plans to take part in Thursday’s rallies, including the Forces of Freedom and Change (FFC) coalition, which championed protests that led to Bashir’s ouster in 2019.

Sudan has been in turmoil since last October when the military dismissed Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok’s transitional government, a move decried by political forces as a "military coup."

At least 100 people have been killed in protests against the military since October, according to Sudanese medics.