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Sudan's Army Blocks Bashir Anniversary Events

Naba Mohiedeen

   KHARTOUM - Sudan's military has blocked streets in central Khartoum
   leading to armyheadquarters, andbanned public celebrations of the
   1-year anniversary of the ouster of former president Omar al-Bashir.

   In a press release, a military spokesman said they're not allowing any
   kind of gatherings around army headquarters. Hundreds of heavy vehicles
   and military pickups are surrounding the area.

   Critics are loud on social media. Activists raised eyebrows over the
   army's decision.

   Protesters, who packed the public uprising against Bashir a year ago,
   are upset.

   HussamGoraishwas in prison for three months until protesters broke down
   the doors and freed him on the day of Bashir's ouster.

   Speaking onWhatsapp,Goraishsaid as protesters, they would love to mark
   the anniversary, but unfortunately the military has blocked the streets
   and that has had a negative impact as it was a mistake in a first
   place. He added that people are so aware of the coronavirus pandemic
   and the health situation in the country, so the gathering wouldn't be
   large.

   Some groups of protesters marked the anniversary by singing and raising
   the national flag on houses.

   It was on April 6, 2019, the military ended Bashir's 30-year rule after
   four months of mass protests and massive rights violations allegedly
   committed by his security apparatus.

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