Khartoum Massacre

The Khartoum Massacre refers to the violent dispersal of a peaceful sit-in by Sudanese security forces on 3 June 2019 (29 Ramadan 1440 AH) in Khartoum, the capital of Sudan. The event marked one of the bloodiest episodes in Sudan’s modern history and occurred during the country’s transitional period following the ousting of long-time ruler Omar al-Bashir. The massacre resulted in widespread deaths, injuries, and reports of sexual violence, profoundly shaping Sudan’s political trajectory and international response to the country’s democratic movement.

Background and Context

Sudan had been under the rule of President Omar al-Bashir since 1989, following a military coup that brought his Islamist-backed government to power. For nearly three decades, Bashir’s regime was characterised by authoritarian rule, economic mismanagement, and prolonged internal conflicts, including the Darfur crisis and civil wars in the south. Mounting economic hardship and inflation triggered widespread protests in December 2018, which quickly evolved into a nationwide movement demanding Bashir’s resignation.
By April 2019, after months of persistent civil disobedience and demonstrations led by the Sudanese Professionals Association (SPA) and allied opposition groups, the military ousted Bashir in a coup. A Transitional Military Council (TMC) assumed power, promising to guide Sudan through a temporary transitional phase. However, protesters remained at the sit-in site outside the military headquarters in Khartoum, demanding civilian-led governance instead of military rule.

The Sit-In at Khartoum

The sit-in at the military headquarters became the symbolic and logistical centre of the Sudanese revolution. Tens of thousands of people from diverse backgrounds—students, professionals, women, and families—gathered daily, expressing solidarity through chants, songs, art, and speeches. The atmosphere was largely peaceful, representing a rare moment of national unity and civic engagement.
Protesters demanded that the military hand over power to a civilian transitional authority and ensure justice for victims of past regime abuses. Negotiations between the TMC and the Forces of Freedom and Change (FFC) coalition were ongoing but frequently stalled due to disagreements over power-sharing and the duration of the transition period.

Events of 3 June 2019

In the early hours of 3 June 2019, heavily armed units of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), alongside elements of the security forces and police, launched a coordinated assault on the sit-in area. Eyewitness accounts and video footage documented troops firing live ammunition, beating protesters, and setting fire to tents. Many demonstrators attempted to flee across the nearby Blue Nile, where several drowned.
According to medical associations and human rights groups, at least 128 people were killed and over 700 injured, though exact figures remain disputed. Reports also surfaced of sexual assaults, arbitrary detentions, and enforced disappearances. The RSF, commanded by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (known as Hemeti), was widely accused of orchestrating and executing the attack.
Following the massacre, security forces imposed a near-total internet blackout across Sudan, effectively isolating the population from the outside world for several weeks. The blackout hindered information flow, delayed accountability efforts, and amplified public fear.

Domestic and International Reactions

The massacre provoked national outrage and international condemnation. Within Sudan, the Sudanese Professionals Association called for civil disobedience and general strikes, bringing much of the country’s economic activity to a halt. The brutal crackdown fractured the public’s fragile trust in the TMC and further galvanised resistance against military rule.
Globally, the African Union suspended Sudan’s membership until a civilian-led government could be established. The United Nations, European Union, and several Western governments condemned the violence, urging an independent investigation. Meanwhile, Ethiopia and the African Union initiated mediation efforts to restore negotiations between the TMC and the opposition coalition.

Negotiations and Political Outcome

After weeks of public unrest and international mediation, a power-sharing agreement was reached in August 2019 between the Transitional Military Council and the Forces of Freedom and Change. The deal established a Sovereign Council composed of both civilian and military representatives to govern Sudan for a transitional period of 39 months leading up to democratic elections.
This agreement also led to the appointment of Abdalla Hamdok as Prime Minister, symbolising a temporary restoration of civilian leadership. However, the legacy of the massacre continued to influence Sudanese politics, with many citizens and activists demanding justice for victims and accountability for the perpetrators.

Perpetrators and Accountability Efforts

The Rapid Support Forces and their commander Hemeti have faced widespread accusations of orchestrating the killings. The RSF, originally derived from the Janjaweed militias notorious for atrocities in Darfur, remained a powerful entity in post-Bashir Sudan, complicating efforts to pursue justice.
In the aftermath, investigative committees were established by the transitional authorities, but their findings were repeatedly delayed or withheld. Human rights organisations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, criticised the investigations as opaque and politically influenced.
To date, no senior officials have been held accountable, and families of victims continue to seek justice. The massacre remains a defining symbol of impunity within Sudan’s fragile transition.

Impact on Sudanese Society

The Khartoum Massacre had far-reaching effects on Sudan’s social and political landscape. It shattered the optimism that followed Bashir’s fall and exposed the entrenched power of the military and paramilitary institutions. The violence also profoundly affected Sudan’s youth-led revolutionary movement, which had been a driving force behind the protests.
Women, who had played a prominent role in the revolution, were among the victims and survivors of sexual violence during the attack. Their experiences highlighted issues of gender-based violence and the struggle for women’s rights in post-revolutionary Sudan. The massacre also deepened regional and ethnic tensions, as the RSF was perceived by many as disproportionately representing specific tribal and regional groups.

International Legal and Humanitarian Dimensions

Internationally, calls for accountability have continued under the frameworks of international human rights law and transitional justice. The United Nations and the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights have supported investigations into the events. Some advocates have pushed for the International Criminal Court (ICC) to extend its jurisdiction to include crimes committed during the massacre.
The humanitarian implications were equally severe. Survivors and families of the victims continue to face trauma and socio-economic hardship, while civil society groups strive to document evidence and preserve historical memory of the event.

Legacy and Continuing Relevance

The Khartoum Massacre remains one of the most pivotal moments in Sudan’s contemporary history. It epitomises the struggle between military authoritarianism and civilian democracy that continues to define the nation’s political evolution. Commemorations held annually on 3 June serve as both remembrance and a call for justice, with slogans such as “Blood is not to be forgotten” echoing across the streets of Khartoum and other cities.