On 3 June, the governing Transitional Military Council opted to utilise force to disperse protesters who had been gathered in central Khartoum since the fall of former president Omar al-Bashir. In doing so they indicated their commitment to the protection of their assets and the retention of their power over Sudan. As such, the resumption of negotiations is unlikely to result in meaningful change, increasing the likelihood of further protest action and enduring instability through the coming months.