In Sudan, the death toll has risen to 61 people according to the country’s official health ministry. These numbers are a stark contrast from the 108 deaths reported from the opposition. This is a continuation of violence by Security forces which have only served to escalate tensions in the already embattled region.
Protest in the country began as a pushback to the Military Council that assumed power after former President Omar Hassan Ahmed Bashir was removed from office in April. The council's leadership had not solved economic unrest issues sparked by the succession of South Sudan in 2011, leaving many citizens frustrated. Protestors in Sudan have been fighting for the right to choose their leadership after 30 years of Al-Bashir's leadership being followed by military rule.
Sudan's ruling military council, who had attempted to violently disperse protester's sit-in outside of the military headquarters Monday, have sparked to violent outbreaks throughout the country.
After the violence at the sit-in, the Military council attempted an offer to hold an election, which was denied by protestors who continue their call for three years of civilian-led authority.
The African Union has even suspended Sudan from all of their activities until a Civilian-led Transitional Authority could be established, calling it in a tweet "the only way" Sudan can get out of its current crisis.
The #AU Peace and Security Council has with immediate effect suspended the participation of the Republic of #Sudan in all #AU activities until the effective establishment of a Civilian-led Transitional Authority, as the only way to allow the Sudan to exit from the current crisis pic.twitter.com/ioBlnfnxcl
— African Union Peace (@AU_PSD) June 6, 2019
The rest of the international community have even come forward pushing Sudan away from the violence seen against its citizens. With the United Nations pulling all non-critical members out of the country, and United States officials releasing statements condemning the violence and calling for elections.
"You cannot have successful negotiations between the protest groups and the military so long as the security forces are killing fellow Sudanese," David Shinn, a former senior US diplomat in Sudan told Al Jazeera. "This has to stop. Until it does, I don't see any prospect for meaningful negotiations."
Talks between the sides are expected to continue with the Ethiopian Prime Minister expected to set foot in the country to lead mediation efforts on Friday, according to sources with knowledge on the matter.
