Sudan violence crushes hopes for peaceful transition to democracy

By Nathan Morley

Police in Sudan have used teargas on protesters who were trying to erect roadblocks in the capital Khartoum.

The teargas was fired on the first day of a civil disobedience campaign, designed to get the ruling military council to relinquish power. At least one person was killed in the violence.

It’s reported that a number of bank, electricity and transport workers were arrested prior to the strike. The main roads and squares in Khartoum have been deserted for days.

Last week, a ruthless assault on demonstrators left over 100 people dead in the capital, crushing hopes for a swift, democratic transition of power. Outside of Khartoum, there are reports that the strike is spreading.