Attack moves Sudan protests into dangerous new phase

Significance

The sit-in has been the physical focus of a peaceful campaign demanding that the ruling Transitional Military Council (TMC) hand over power to civilians following its ouster of former President Omar al-Bashir in April. Protesters have long feared the TMC might constitute little more than a military takeover and does not support genuine reforms or a transition to civilian-led multi-party democracy.

Impacts

• Popular hostility towards the TMC will harden.
• Further violence against protesters is likely.
• Tensions within the security forces may grow, raising the risk of fragmentation.