SUDAN NEWS ALERT: Multiple sources – Thousands in Sudan demonstrate in support of civilian rule

30/9/2021: Multiple sources – Thousands in Sudan demonstrate in support of civilian rule

• Reuters, by Khalid Abdelaziz and Nafisa Eltahir

• AP, by Noha Elhennawy and Ashraf Idris

Sudanese security forces fired tear gas to break up a demonstration in Khartoum by an estimated 20,000 people in support of a civilian-led transition to democracy. Many protesters came from Atbara and Madani.

A crowd of thousands celebrated the arrival of the Madani train, chanting "the army is Sudan's army, not Burhan's army" - a reference to General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the leader of Sudan's military and its ruling sovereign council."

Civilian officials greeted the protesters. But security forces later fired volleys of tear gas to break up the gathering, a Reuters reporter said.

“The objective of these marches is to protect Sudan’s democratic transition and there is no way to achieve that without ending any partnership with the military council,” said a statement issued by the Sudanese Professionals Association.