Residents of Khartoum demonstrate against rebel attacks

Updates: Earlier today, tens of thousands of residents of Khartoum took to the streets to denounce an attack by Darfur-based rebel group JEM (Justice and Equality Movement). The death-toll for the attack has climbed to 200 people, including soldiers, police, and civilians.

The Sudanese government has jailed more than 300 people in the Khartoum suburb of Omdurman in the past two days, with Human Rights Watch expressing concern amid reports of torture and at least two public executions. The government has also put out a $250,000 bounty on the head of JEM leader Khalil Ibrahim and is requesting that JEM be put on an international list of terrorist organizations. One Sudanese government official has now accused both Libya and France of providing backing to the rebels, in addition to their earlier accusations of Chadian involvement.

The United Nations Security Council yesterday condemned the attacks while warning Khartoum not to retaliate on the civilian population.