Tear Gas Used Against Protesters in Sudan

Sudanese security forces fired tear gas today, Tuesday, to disperse thousands of protesters demanding democratic transition near the presidential palace in downtown Khartoum. The protesters gathered in the Sudanese capital and then headed towards the presidential palace, raising slogans calling for the transfer of power to a civilian government and the military's exit from political affairs. However, security forces immediately confronted them using tear gas, water cannons, and sound bombs. The Arab World News Agency reported exchanges of stones between both parties at the entrance of the palace street and violent clashes between security forces and protesters in the streets and alleys of the Arab market and the roads leading to the presidential palace, resulting in injuries among demonstrators. Sudanese authorities deployed security units at the entrances of the Mak Nimer and White Nile bridges, which connect the cities of Khartoum North and Omdurman to Khartoum city. Security forces were also deployed on the roads leading to the presidential palace and the army command. The protests come two days after remarks by Forces of Freedom and Change leader Yasser Arman about serious consultations between military and civilian parties to choose a prime minister and resolve the crisis in the country. Arman noted that there are strong pressures and discussions between military and civilian entities to complete the final stage of the political process and appoint a prime minister to form a civilian government. Military parties signed a framework agreement on December 5 with civilian forces led by the Forces of Freedom and Change and other political and professional groups to begin a two-year transitional period culminating in elections.