Yesterday, hundreds of thousands of workers, peasants and poor took to the streets throughout Sudan to protest against the vicious rule of the Junta organised in the Transitional Military Council (TMC).
Young, old men and women from across the country took to the street in brave defiance of counter-revolution in all corners of the country. Chanting, from the top of their lungs, slogans such as “Freedom”, “Civilian rule” and "Kabashi you liar, our revolution has just started" they were a testament of the enormous bravery and heroism of the masses. At least 7 people were killed and hundreds injured as armed forces loyal to the TMC attacked the masses throughout the country, yet the movement persisted. In the historical revolutionary city of Atbara, they chanted: “The bullet doesn't kill. What kills is one's silence. Atbara is out, Atbara is out!”
While exact figures are impossible to come by it is almost certain that these protests were some of the largest in the history of the country, and probably surpassing the 1 million man aim set up by the organisers, the Sudanese Professional Association (SPA). Confirmed mass protests took place in Rabak, Halfa, Jabra, Arkaweet-Albalabel, Atbara, Nuri, Alshajara, Alsahafa, Aliskan, ElObied, Kauda, Kasala, Alruseiris, Dongola, Wad madani, Burri, Kareema, Souq alarabi, Khartoum, Umdurman-wad nubawi and Port Sudan.
The day of action was even more impressive seeing that it came after the 3 June massacre, carried out by TMC affiliated Rapid Support Forces (RSF), brutally killing hundreds and injuring many more. This was followed by a counter-revolutionary offensive which saw weeks of violence, rape and plunder on a massive scale carried out by RSF forces. In the run up to this protest, the TMC had not hidden its intention to continue the bloody repression. An anonymous military official told Middle East Eye that ”The military council has no path other than going further with the use of violence regarding these protests of 30 June and they have actually begun preparing for that.” Nevertheless, the officer went on to add that there was no certainty that the TMC could trust in the police to actually carry out the repression. Thus the rabid dogs of the RSF were the main force for the TMC to lean on.
But far from forcing the masses into submission, the killing, raping and threatening only spurred them forward, hardening their resolve. In spite of never ending threats and daily violence by the TMC, the revolution has been building up to yesterday's event for weeks. The internet and media blackout imposed by the TMC also meant that most people had no information about whether many people would come out or if they would be isolated alone on the streets, easily targeted by the counter-revolution. Many people, trying to reach Khartoum where the largest protests would be, had travelled for days to get there.