Khartoum Massacre: June 3, 2019

On June 3, 2019, the Khartoum Massacre occurred, marking a tragic and pivotal moment in Sudan’s ongoing political struggle. The Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group, violently dispersed peaceful protestors who had been staging a sit-in outside the Sudanese military’s headquarters in Khartoum. This violent crackdown resulted in the deaths of over 100 civilians, with numerous others injured or reported missing.

Context

Sudan had been experiencing widespread unrest since December 2018, when anti-government protests erupted across the nation. These protests were initially sparked by economic grievances, including skyrocketing bread and fuel prices, but quickly evolved into calls for the resignation of President Omar al-Bashir, who had held power for nearly 30 years. In April 2019, following months of sustained protests, al-Bashir was ousted in a military coup, and the military council assumed control of the country.

Despite the removal of al-Bashir, protestors continued to demand a transition to civilian rule, fearing that the military council might perpetuate authoritarian governance. The sit-in outside the military headquarters began on April 6, 2019, and lasted for nearly two months before the June 3 crackdown.

The Event

On the morning of June 3, RSF forces and other security personnel moved in to forcibly disperse the sit-in. Eyewitness accounts and videos from the scene depicted armed forces using live ammunition, tear gas, and batons against unarmed civilians. Makeshift barricades set up by protesters were dismantled, and tents in the protest area were set ablaze. Many people attempting to flee the violence were reportedly chased down and beaten, and sexual violence was also reported.

The brutality of the crackdown was met with international condemnation. Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, condemned the use of excessive force and called for investigations into the reports of human rights violations.

Aftermath and Consequences

The massacre significantly impacted the political landscape in Sudan. It intensified the calls for justice and accountability from both domestic and international entities. In the wake of the violence, the international community, including the African Union, exerted pressure on the Transitional Military Council (TMC) to negotiate with civilian leaders.

Subsequent to the massacre, a deal was eventually brokered between the TMC and the Forces of Freedom and Change (FFC), a coalition of protest groups. This agreement paved the way for a joint civilian-military transitional government, tasked with steering Sudan towards democratic elections intended to be held in 2022.

The events of June 3, 2019, remain a significant chapter in Sudan’s history, symbolizing both the resilience of its civil society and the severe challenges that the nation faces in its pursuit of democracy and human rights.