5 November 2024
Apr 8, 2019 by Afnan Hassab -

Sudan Witnesses Biggest Anti-Goverment Protest #6April

Image source: Sudanese Culture (@SudaneseCulture)

The Sudanese Professionals Association (SPA), the entity leading the ongoing anti-government protests in Sudan, called out for a mass demonstration to the headquarters of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) in Khartoum and across Sudan in a protest dubbed as the ‘Million Persons Protest of 6 April’ or ‘A Million on 6 April’, aiming to bring at least one million protesters out to the streets of Sudan.

While no official or accurate estimation has been made on the total number of protesters and whether a million protesters mark has been achieved, it is believed at least 100,000 have joined the mass demonstration across Sudan. It is recognised as the most successful anti-government protest since the Sudan uprising began in December 2018 in that it brought out the biggest number of protesters and achieved the longest-running protest to date. 

This year, 6 April marks 34 years since the ousting of former Sudanese President Gaafar Nimeiry and since the last biggest protest. On 6 April, 1985, the people of Sudan celebrated the ousting of Nimeiry and the end of his 16-year reign in a bloodless coupe. 

On 6 April, 2019, the people of Sudan again took to the streets to protest against President Omar Al Bashir’s 30-year dictatorship, demanding the fall of the regime. Some have said this year’s protests are bigger than the protest staged in 1985.

By noon, thousands of protesters have already marched to the headquarters of SAF ahead of the time SPA announced and reached the headquarters before the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS), avoiding being blocked by them. However, NISS continuously attempted to disperse protests firing tear gas at protesters and lashing them. Following the lead of those who reached and the call out on social media, many protesters were motivated to joined in despite the heavy presence of NISS. Men, women, young and old, were seen in these protests.

According to news reports, at least five have been killed in the protests and approximately 300 were arrested.

Moreover, protesters also staged demonstrations in other cities in Sudan such as Port Sudan, Kassala, Gaddarif, Wad Madani and Nuba Mountains. The protests were not only confined to Sudan. The Sudanese diaspora in Dublin, NYC, Milan, London, Germany, Toronto, Stockholm and more organised their own demonstrations in solidarity with protesters in Sudan.

As the day began to end, protesters decided to turn the demonstration into a sit-in overnight in which the protesters held debates and discussions.

The mass demonstration turned sit-in continued until the early morning of 7 April. Protesters have decided to stay until the regime falls. They brought makeshift tents, food and water along with them.

Many described this protest as one very beautiful and heartwarming.  

During the mass demonstration, protesters have shown great solidarity with one another. Some of the most beautiful scenes include group prayers, distribution of food and water, and more.

Some protesters were seen singing, dancing and entertaining others.

There have been reports of slow internet, blocked social media and nationwide power outage across Sudan on 6 and 7 April.

However, thousands of protesters spent a second night camped outside Sudan’s army headquarters on 7 April, demanding the step down of Al Bashir and his regime. Although there were rumours of Al Bashir leaving Sudan to neighbouring countries, Al Bashir remains in Sudan and is yet to make a comment or speech on the latest mass demonstration.

Protests have been taking place in Sudan since December 2018. At least 60 people have been killed, hundreds injured and more than a 1,000 arrested. 

The protests were triggered by a hike in prices of basic commodities such as bread and fuel shortages, thousands of protesters have taken to streets across Sudan, calling for the downfall of Al Bashir and his regime. Government forces have responded to protests with live ammunition, rubber bullets and tear gas.

Afnan Hassab describes herself as your typical dreamy millennial. A 22-year-old surgeon-in-the-making by morning and a struggling writer and blogger, by night. Dedicated humanitarian, unwavering feminist, relentless debater, obsessive cleaner and a coffee addict among other things. Born and raised in Jeddah, KSA. Went to college in Sudan. Based somewhere between these two countries and more.

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