Despite a long-standing crackdown on dissent in Sudan, opponents of President Omar al-Bashir have found a voice online, using social media to fuel nationwide protests and share images of security forces using violence to suppress them.

The protests in Sudan began peacefully on December 19 to demonstrate against the tripling of the price of bread.

But they have evolved into deadly confrontations between demonstrators and security forces, and triggered calls for the downfall of the country’s veteran ruler.

“Social media is crucial for the movement,” said one 24-year-old activist, speaking with AFP in Cairo over WhatsApp. AFP has withheld his name for safety reasons.