Three people shot dead during huge protests against Sudan coup, doctors say

Protesters carry a banner and shout slogans as they march against the Sudanese military's recent seizure of power and ousting of the civilian government, in the streets of the capital Khartoum, Sudan October 30, 2021.
Reuters/Mohamed Nureldin
Protesters carry a banner and shout slogans as they march against the Sudanese military’s recent seizure of power and ousting of the civilian government, in the streets of the capital Khartoum, Sudan October 30, 2021. Reuters/Mohamed Nureldin

KHARTOUM, (Reuters) – Security forces shot dead three people during nationwide protests in Sudan yesterday, a doctors committee said, as hundreds of thousands of people demanded the restoration of a civilian-led government after a military coup.

In Khartoum, security forces used tear gas and gunfire to try to disperse a huge crowd after protesters had been setting up a stage and discussing the possibility of a sit-in, said a Reuters witness.

The Central Committee of Sudanese Doctors said three protesters were shot dead by security forces in the capital Khartoum’s twin city of Omdurman. It said 38 people were injured, including some by gunfire.

An eyewitness in Omdurman said they heard gunshots and saw people being carried away bleeding from the direction of the parliament building.

Sudanese police denied shooting protesters during the demonstrations, saying on state TV that one policeman sustained gunshot wounds. A representative of the military was not immediately available to comment.

The demonstrations marked the biggest challenge to General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan since he ousted Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok’s cabinet on Monday.