A fortnight after Sudan’s turbulent transition to democracy was hijacked by a military coup, the streets of the capital, Khartoum, remain clogged with makeshift barricades.
In most places, the bricks and burnt tyres have now been pulled back to allow traffic to pass – as neighbourhoods wait to see if tense, behind-the-scenes political negotiations can unravel the coup.
But there is a widespread belief here that the roadblocks, the protests, and the army’s violent response, could flare up at any moment.
“There is no way out but dialogue and negotiation,” said Suleima Elkhalifa, who headed a unit in the transitional government tasked with protecting women and children from violence.
“But people are more determined now. And more politically aware. After 30 years of military dictatorship, we will not submit. The youth represent more than 50% of this country and it’s clear we don’t want this government. They cannot kill us all. They cannot kill this dream,” she said.
