What started as just gunfire in the capital and a town north of the country, eventually ended up being a disaster. death toll and injuries kept rising in the days that followed. What's behind the violence in Sudan?

Fighting rages in Sudan | World Of Africa

Sudan is on the boil. 100 people have lost their lives as deadly clashes continue between the army and paramiliary forces. Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Gravitas: Sudan's deadly clashes continue for third day

Sudanese army pounded paramilitary bases with air strikes on Sunday (April 16) as the power struggle continues to rage in the North African nation, news agency Reuters reported citing witnesses. Sudan's army appeared to have gained the upper hand. The latest report stated that the death toll climbed to 97, including UN workers.&nbsp;

The deadly clashes between the army and the main paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) escalated in the past few days, with the fighting erupting on Saturday.&nbsp;

The army units loyal to General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, head of Sudan's transitional governing Sovereign Council clashed with RSF, which is led by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti, who is deputy head of the council.&nbsp;

The UN mission in Sudan said Burhan and Hemedti agreed to a three-hour pause in fighting in order to allow humanitarian evacuations proposed by the United Nations.&nbsp;

The fighting was expected to de-escalate, but the deal was widely ignored by both sides after a brief period of relative calm.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-whats-happening-in-sudan-what-caused-the-clashes-583043">Explained: What's happening in Sudan? What caused the army-paramilitary clashes?</a>&nbsp;

The news agency cited residents, who reported the boom of artillery and roar of warplanes in the Kafouri district of Bahri, which has an RSF base.&nbsp;

Eyewitnesses also told the news agency that the army was renewing air strikes on RSF bases in Omdurman, the Kafouri and Sharg El-Nil districts of adjacent Bahri.&nbsp;

Rising tensions over the RSF's incorporation into the military were the cause of the fighting. The signature of an international agreement with political parties on a transition to democracy following a military coup in 2021 has been postponed due to disagreement on the timeline for that.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudan-army-and-rsf-clashes-leave-27-dead-including-3-un-staffers-dozens-injured-582861">Sudan unrest: World Food Programme suspends work following death of 3 staff members</a>&nbsp;

The clashes drew global condemnation as the United States, China, Russia, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Nations, European Union and African Union appealed for an immediate end to the hostilities.&nbsp;

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken consulted with the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates and declared on Saturday that all parties involved in the conflict in Sudan must immediately and unconditionally halt hostilities.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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Sudanese army pounded paramilitary bases with air strikes on Sunday (April 16) as the power struggle continues to rage in the North African nation, news agency Reuters reported citing witnesses.

Sudanese army pounded paramilitary bases with air strikes on Sunday (April 16) as the power struggle continues to rage in the North African nation, news agency Reuters reported citing witnesses. Sudan's army appeared to have gained the upper hand. The latest report stated that the death toll climbed to 97, including UN workers. The deadly clashes between the army and the main paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) escalated in the past few days, with the fighting erupting on Saturday. The army units loyal to General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, head of Sudan's transitional governing Sovereign Council clashed with RSF, which is led by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti, who is deputy head of the council. The UN mission in Sudan said Burhan and Hemedti agreed to a three-hour pause in fighting in order to allow humanitarian evacuations proposed by the United Nations. The fighting was expected to de-escalate, but the deal was widely ignored by both sides after a brief period of relative calm. ALSO READ | Explained: What's happening in Sudan? What caused the army-paramilitary clashes? The news agency cited residents, who reported the boom of artillery and roar of warplanes in the Kafouri district of Bahri, which has an RSF base. Eyewitnesses also told the news agency that the army was renewing air strikes on RSF bases in Omdurman, the Kafouri and Sharg El-Nil districts of adjacent Bahri. Rising tensions over the RSF's incorporation into the military were the cause of the fighting. The signature of an international agreement with political parties on a transition to democracy following a military coup in 2021 has been postponed due to disagreement on the timeline for that. ALSO READ | Sudan unrest: World Food Programme suspends work following death of 3 staff members The clashes drew global condemnation as the United States, China, Russia, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Nations, European Union and African Union appealed for an immediate end to the hostilities. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken consulted with the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates and declared on Saturday that all parties involved in the conflict in Sudan must immediately and unconditionally halt hostilities. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Power struggle in Sudan rages as army pounds paramilitary bases with air strikes

Hello and Welcome. This is The Capitals. Your weekly round-up of news and views from the corridors of power all over the world.&nbsp;

This week, the capitals of Sudan, Yemen, India, Northern Ireland, United States, Ghana and Japan witnessed among the most significant of all events of reckoning.

<h2>Khartoum, Sudan</h2>

<img alt="Khartoum | AFP" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bb6eef7a-af00-47fc-ae61-4ac58c4f2124" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design_187.jpg" />

Smoke billows above residential buildings in Khartoum on April 16, 2023, as fighting in Sudan raged for a second day in battles between rival generals | AFP

Sudanese capital's uneasy calm was wrecked by gunfire and shelling this week as a deadly power struggle broke out between the erstwhile power-sharers, Sudan's army and a paramilitary group. The Rapid Support Force (RSF) is the paramilitary group infamous for many human rights violations in the country located at the crossroads of Sub-Saharan Africa and West Asia.&nbsp;

So far at least 56 civilians are reported to be dead in the deadly fight between the Sudanese army and the RSF.&nbsp;

Here is a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-whats-happening-in-sudan-what-caused-the-clashes-583043">WION&nbsp;explainer</a> to&nbsp;what all is happening in Sudan, and the exact genesis of the ongoing battle between the two warring armed factions of contested authorities.&nbsp;

<h2>Sana'a, Yemen</h2>

<img alt="Yemen prisoners' exchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5129fea7-62c8-42c1-b5b1-e41ef467e0a9" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_229.jpg" />

Prisoners formerly held by Yemen's Houthi rebels board an aircraft of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) before it takes off from Sana'a International Airport on April 16, 2023 | AFP

The Yemeni capital saw boosted hopes of the end to its civil war, as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/times-of-truce-major-prisoner-swap-underway-in-yemen-icrc-582486">a three-day exchange of nearly 900 prisoners</a> between Yemen's Houthi rebels and government forces concluded on Sunday.&nbsp;

It is still not known how many prisoners the both sides have.&nbsp;

But both the rebels and government forces are still honouring a ceasefire that expired in October 2022 after a seven-month period. The current exchange of prisoners is being seen as a measure that West Asia watchers expect to formalise into an end to the war.&nbsp;

<h2>New Delhi, India</h2>

<img alt="Narendra Modi Cabinet Committee on Security" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2df8790a-a3c1-49aa-994b-fec8a1f7c70f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%282%29_177.jpg" />

File photo of India's Prime Minister&nbsp;Narendra Modi chairing a meeting of Cabinet Committee on Security | @PMOIndia/Twitter

In New Delhi, India's big space dreams were unveiled in the form of the Indian Space Policy 2023, a formal expansion of space sector reforms India launched in 2020. While the 2020 reforms allowed private sector firms to perform end-to-end space activities, this week's policy release is aimed at providing greater clarity on the specific activities that private firms can carry out, Sidharth MP, WION correspondent covering Space and Defence sectors told The Capitals.

"The Space Policy is said to be a stepping stone to a Space Activities Bill and a Space Activities Law in India, which will codify the roles and responsibilities of the government and private sector in greater detail," Sidharth pointed out.&nbsp;

India aims to constitute at least a tenth of $360 billion global space economy by the end of the decade.&nbsp;

<h2>Belfast, Northern Ireland</h2>

<img alt="Joe Biden" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="10d2400f-9ff6-4861-93c4-08149a317f08" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%283%29_148.jpg" />

US President Joe Biden delivered a speech on business development at Ulster University in Belfast on April 12, 2023 | AFP

US President Joe Biden went down the lane of his Irish ancestory in Northern Ireland's capital Belfast this week. He <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-lands-in-northern-ireland-to-mark-25-years-of-good-friday-agreement-581514">commemorated 25 years of Good Friday peace agreement</a>, a 1998 agreement between the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland which ultimately&nbsp;diluted the previously concentrated calls for Northern Ireland's separation from Britain.&nbsp;

The four-day visit to Ireland was marked by pomp as Biden was seen acting on behalf of his British allies to strengthen Northern Ireland's union with Britain. "Northern Ireland will not go back [to violence]," Biden said at the Ulster University campus in Belfast while referring to pre-1998 calls for separation.

<h2>Washington&nbsp;D.C., United States of America</h2>

<img alt="White House" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="74a0d9af-933f-40e4-8518-fbed6e52d751" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%284%29_131.jpg" />

File photo of the White House in Washington D.C. superimposed with the images of Jack Teixeira, 21, arrested in classified document leak row this week | Reuters

The world's most powerful corridor of power was marred by the most explosive document leak of the decade. This time, it wasn't a Snowden or Assange but a 21-year-old newly minted member of the US Air Force, who unleashed a diplomatic storm of embarrassment over White House. Why embarrassment? Well, for one, the leak of highly classified US military documents revealed how Washington spies on countries it calls its allies and partners. Two, it exposed gaps in Ukrainian air defences amid its ongoing war in Ukraine.&nbsp;

Here is a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-what-jack-teixeiras-game-of-pentagon-declassifieds-means-for-internet-surveillance-582483">WION explainer</a>, detailing upon Jack Teixeira, the young man arrested this week, who has been charged with unauthorised removal of classified national defence information.&nbsp;

<h2>Accra, Ghana</h2>

<img alt="Representative image for children's Malaria vaccination | Reuters" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9fbb17e7-ae65-4c70-827a-6f627c4e7cc0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%285%29_95.jpg" />

Representative image for children's Malaria vaccination | Reuters

This week, the Ghanaian capital <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-ghana-approves-oxfords-new-malaria-vaccine-582251">approved</a> the use of Oxford University-Serum Institute of India's&nbsp;anti-malaria vaccine Mosquirix developed by the British drugmaker GSK. Children under the age of three will be inoculated with the anti-malaria vaccine while the exact timeline of the rollout has not been revealed.&nbsp;

Annually, about 600,000 people die due to Malaria, most of them in Africa. Children under the age of three, for whom the anti-malaria vaccine with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/oxford-university-serum-institute-of-india-tie-up-delivers-high-efficacy-malaria-vaccine-582185">77 per cent efficacy</a> has been approved, remain most vulnerable to the disease.

<h2>Tokyo, Japan&nbsp;</h2>

<img alt="Haruki Murakami" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9608964e-93a9-4172-a748-c68b7e993f3f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%283%29_11.png" />

People line up to purchase the fresh copies of Japanese writer Haruki Murakami's new book&nbsp;'The City and Its Uncertain Walls'&nbsp;at a book store in Shinjuku district of Tokyo early on April 13, 2023 | AFP

Legendary Japanese writer Haruki Murakami's first novel in six years, 'The City and Its Uncertain Walls' hit the shelves in Tokyo this week. A Murakami novel is often considered 'an Olympic event' in Japan. While Japanese language readers can score through the 661-page novel, Murakami admirers worldwide will have to wait for some time more for the English translation of the novel.&nbsp;

My colleague Tashneem Chaudhury dissects her 'eternal love story' with Japanese author's works in this piece. '<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/how-i-fell-for-the-murakami-magic-582618">How I fell for the Haruki Murakami magic: My eternal love story</a>'.&nbsp;

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Hello and Welcome. This is The Capitals. Your weekly round-up of news and views from the corridors of power all over the world. This week, the capitals of Sudan, Yemen, India, Northern Ireland, United States, Ghana and Japan witnessed among the most significant of all events of reckoning.

Hello and Welcome. This is The Capitals. Your weekly round-up of news and views from the corridors of power all over the world. This week, the capitals of Sudan, Yemen, India, Northern Ireland, United States, Ghana and Japan witnessed among the most significant of all events of reckoning. Khartoum, Sudan Smoke billows above residential buildings in Khartoum on April 16, 2023, as fighting in Sudan raged for a second day in battles between rival generals | AFP Sudanese capital's uneasy calm was wrecked by gunfire and shelling this week as a deadly power struggle broke out between the erstwhile power-sharers, Sudan's army and a paramilitary group. The Rapid Support Force (RSF) is the paramilitary group infamous for many human rights violations in the country located at the crossroads of Sub-Saharan Africa and West Asia. So far at least 56 civilians are reported to be dead in the deadly fight between the Sudanese army and the RSF. Here is a WION explainer to what all is happening in Sudan, and the exact genesis of the ongoing battle between the two warring armed factions of contested authorities. Sana'a, Yemen Prisoners formerly held by Yemen's Houthi rebels board an aircraft of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) before it takes off from Sana'a International Airport on April 16, 2023 | AFP The Yemeni capital saw boosted hopes of the end to its civil war, as a three-day exchange of nearly 900 prisoners between Yemen's Houthi rebels and government forces concluded on Sunday. It is still not known how many prisoners the both sides have. But both the rebels and government forces are still honouring a ceasefire that expired in October 2022 after a seven-month period. The current exchange of prisoners is being seen as a measure that West Asia watchers expect to formalise into an end to the war. New Delhi, India File photo of India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi chairing a meeting of Cabinet Committee on Security | @PMOIndia/Twitter In New Delhi, India's big space dreams were unveiled in the form of the Indian Space Policy 2023, a formal expansion of space sector reforms India launched in 2020. While the 2020 reforms allowed private sector firms to perform end-to-end space activities, this week's policy release is aimed at providing greater clarity on the specific activities that private firms can carry out, Sidharth MP, WION correspondent covering Space and Defence sectors told The Capitals. "The Space Policy is said to be a stepping stone to a Space Activities Bill and a Space Activities Law in India, which will codify the roles and responsibilities of the government and private sector in greater detail," Sidharth pointed out. India aims to constitute at least a tenth of $360 billion global space economy by the end of the decade. Belfast, Northern Ireland US President Joe Biden delivered a speech on business development at Ulster University in Belfast on April 12, 2023 | AFP US President Joe Biden went down the lane of his Irish ancestory in Northern Ireland's capital Belfast this week. He commemorated 25 years of Good Friday peace agreement, a 1998 agreement between the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland which ultimately diluted the previously concentrated calls for Northern Ireland's separation from Britain. The four-day visit to Ireland was marked by pomp as Biden was seen acting on behalf of his British allies to strengthen Northern Ireland's union with Britain. "Northern Ireland will not go back [to violence]," Biden said at the Ulster University campus in Belfast while referring to pre-1998 calls for separation. Washington D.C., United States of America File photo of the White House in Washington D.C. superimposed with the images of Jack Teixeira, 21, arrested in classified document leak row this week | Reuters The world's most powerful corridor of power was marred by the most explosive document leak of the decade. This time, it wasn't a Snowden or Assange but a 21-year-old newly minted member of the US Air Force, who unleashed a diplomatic storm of embarrassment over White House. Why embarrassment? Well, for one, the leak of highly classified US military documents revealed how Washington spies on countries it calls its allies and partners. Two, it exposed gaps in Ukrainian air defences amid its ongoing war in Ukraine. Here is a WION explainer, detailing upon Jack Teixeira, the young man arrested this week, who has been charged with unauthorised removal of classified national defence information. Accra, Ghana Representative image for children's Malaria vaccination | Reuters This week, the Ghanaian capital approved the use of Oxford University-Serum Institute of India's anti-malaria vaccine Mosquirix developed by the British drugmaker GSK. Children under the age of three will be inoculated with the anti-malaria vaccine while the exact timeline of the rollout has not been revealed. Annually, about 600,000 people die due to Malaria, most of them in Africa. Children under the age of three, for whom the anti-malaria vaccine with 77 per cent efficacy has been approved, remain most vulnerable to the disease. Tokyo, Japan People line up to purchase the fresh copies of Japanese writer Haruki Murakami's new book 'The City and Its Uncertain Walls' at a book store in Shinjuku district of Tokyo early on April 13, 2023 | AFP Legendary Japanese writer Haruki Murakami's first novel in six years, 'The City and Its Uncertain Walls' hit the shelves in Tokyo this week. A Murakami novel is often considered 'an Olympic event' in Japan. While Japanese language readers can score through the 661-page novel, Murakami admirers worldwide will have to wait for some time more for the English translation of the novel. My colleague Tashneem Chaudhury dissects her 'eternal love story' with Japanese author's works in this piece. 'How I fell for the Haruki Murakami magic: My eternal love story'. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

The Capitals: Sudan's Khartoum a battleground for power, New Delhi's big space dreams, and more

At least 56 civilians have died as a result of the violent combat in Sudan between the regular army and the paramilitary. According to the nation's medical professionals, more than 600 people have sustained injuries.

Will Sudan ever transition to democracy?; Khartoum declares state holiday | WION Fineprint

Sudan's main paramilitary group and the regular armed forces exchanged gunfire in Khartoum and elsewhere in the country in an apparent struggle for control. Sudan's former prime minister Abdalla Hamdok urges warring sides to end the fighting & appeals for international help.

Fighting rocks Sudan's capital Khartoum

Explosions and gunfire were heard in Sudan's capital Khartoum as the Army entered the camps of the Paramilitary forces with heavy weapons. The Paramilitary claims that the Army had surrounded one of its spaces and opened fire.

Heavy gunfire and blasts rock Sudan's capital Khartoum as army clashes with paramilitary forces

Sudan: Power struggle within military as Army attacks Paramilitary RSF

Security forces fired tear gas as Sudanese protesters marched in the capital Khartoum on Sunday against the country's military leadership, holding it responsible for an outbreak of violence in Blue Nile State.

Anti-military protests rock Sudan | Curfew declared in Sudanese towns after clashes

Sudan: At least 65 people killed in tribal clashes in Blue Nile state

Hundreds of Sudanese protesters took to the streets of the capital Khartoum and its suburbs for a fourth straight day Sunday demanding an end to military rule. A violent crackdown by the security forces during mass rallies on Thursday killed nine people, the deadliest day for several months in the long-running protests against a military takeover last October led by army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, as reported by AFP.

Recent protests have seen crowds burn tyres and barricade roads with bricks, with security forces using live bullets, firing barrages of tear gas canisters and using powerful water cannons, according to medics and the United Nations. Demonstrators demand a restoration of the transition to civilian rule that was launched after the 2019 ouster of longtime autocrat Omar al-Bashir, which the coup derailed.

A demonstrator Muayyad Mohamed told AFP in central Khartoum, "We will continue this sit-in until the coup is overturned, and we have a fully civilian government."&nbsp;

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/long-queues-missing-baggage-halted-travel-plans-aviation-chaos-in-uk-us-and-europe-494030">&nbsp;Long queues, missing baggage, halted travel plans: Aviation chaos in US and Europe</a>

The death toll from protest-related violence has reached 114 since last year's coup, with the latest fatality recorded Saturday when a demonstrator died from wounds sustained at a June 16 rally, according to pro-democracy medics. The coup plunged Sudan further into political and economic turmoil which has seen rising consumer prices and life-threatening food shortages.

On Sunday, witnesses reported a heavy deployment of security forces on the streets of Khartoum, including both army vehicles as well as those of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a feared paramilitary unit commanded by Burhan's deputy Mohamed Hamdan Daglo.

(with inputs from agencies)

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Hundreds of Sudanese protesters took to the streets of the capital Khartoum and its suburbs for a fourth straight day Sunday demanding an end to military rule. A violent crackdown by the security forces during mass rallies on Thursday killed nine people, the deadliest day for several months in the long-running protests against a military takeover last October led by army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, as reported by AFP.

Hundreds of Sudanese protesters took to the streets of the capital Khartoum and its suburbs for a fourth straight day Sunday demanding an end to military rule. A violent crackdown by the security forces during mass rallies on Thursday killed nine people, the deadliest day for several months in the long-running protests against a military takeover last October led by army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, as reported by AFP. Recent protests have seen crowds burn tyres and barricade roads with bricks, with security forces using live bullets, firing barrages of tear gas canisters and using powerful water cannons, according to medics and the United Nations. Demonstrators demand a restoration of the transition to civilian rule that was launched after the 2019 ouster of longtime autocrat Omar al-Bashir, which the coup derailed. A demonstrator Muayyad Mohamed told AFP in central Khartoum, "We will continue this sit-in until the coup is overturned, and we have a fully civilian government." Also Read: Long queues, missing baggage, halted travel plans: Aviation chaos in US and Europe The death toll from protest-related violence has reached 114 since last year's coup, with the latest fatality recorded Saturday when a demonstrator died from wounds sustained at a June 16 rally, according to pro-democracy medics. The coup plunged Sudan further into political and economic turmoil which has seen rising consumer prices and life-threatening food shortages. On Sunday, witnesses reported a heavy deployment of security forces on the streets of Khartoum, including both army vehicles as well as those of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a feared paramilitary unit commanded by Burhan's deputy Mohamed Hamdan Daglo. (with inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Nine killed in violent crackdown on anti-coup protesters in Sudan

Thousands rallied in the capital Khartoum demonstrating against last year's military coup and as United Nations Human Rights expert arrived in the country, a Sudanese man was shot dead by security forces. Regular protests have rocked the northeast African country since its Army chief led a military takeover in October.

Sudan rocked by regular protests, thousands rally in capital Khartoum

In a massive show of protest thousands of anti-coup demonstrators took to the streets of Khartoum and other cities on Thursday to march against Sudan's military regime and recent killings of protesters. Thursday's protests were the latest in a series of mass demonstrations that have rocked the country since October last year.

Thousands of anti-coup demonstrators march against Sudanese military in Khartoum

The Sudanese capital of Khartoum witnessed a fresh wave of violence after security forces killed three protesters during the latest anti-coup demonstrations. According to reports Sudanese forces shot dead three protesters as thousands of people took to the streets of Khartoum and other cities to denounce the military rule.

Security forces kill anti-coup protesters in Sudan, use tear gas and stun grenades

15 protesters were killed in Sudan's bloodiest day since the coup. The unrest has persisted for 3 weeks. Palki Sharma tells you the consequences of the turmoil in Sudan & why stability in the country matters to the world.

Gravitas: The implications of unrest in Sudan | 15 protesters killed by troops

Violence and protests have escalated in Sudan. At least 15 protesters were killed in the capital Khartoum after Sudanese forces opened fire. This marks the bloodiest day since the military takeover.

Violence escalates in Sudan, at least 15 killed in Khartoum

At least 15 were shot dead and dozens of others suffered injuries after the Sudanese Army opened fire at thousands of Sudanese who took to the streets to protest against the military’s October 25 takeover, said medics who are aligned with the movement.

The protesters, who were across the capital Khartoum and in the cities of Bahri and Omdurman, demanded a full handover to civilian authorities and for the leaders of the coup to be put on trial.

According to reports, security forces fired live rounds and tear gas to prevent gatherings in all three cities, and mobile phone communications were cut, witnesses said.

State television said there were injuries among protesters and police.

Police have, however, denied using live ammunition, even as a probe was announced to investigate the deaths.

Also read |&nbsp;'<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wanted-to-prevent-civil-war-sudan-army-chief-al-burhan-defends-coup-424317">Wanted to prevent civil war': Sudan Army chief al-Burhan defends coup</a>

The doctors’ union said most of the casualties had suffered gunshot wounds to “the head, neck or torso”.

“The coup forces used live bullets heavily in different areas of the capital and there are tens of gunshot injuries, some of them in serious condition,” said the Central Committee of Sudanese Doctors, a group aligned with the protest movement.

Deaths were concentrated in Bahri, they said. In response, protesters built extensive barricades, emptying the streets of traffic, a witness told Reuters.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-to-military-rule-sudans-security-forces-fire-tear-gas-during-anti-coup-campaign-by-teachers-427426">'No to military rule': Sudan's security forces fire tear gas during anti-coup campaign by teachers</a>

“People are just terrified right now,” said a protester based in Omdurman.

Earlier, on a main road in Khartoum, protesters burned tyres and chanted: “The people are stronger, and retreat is impossible.”

Others carried pictures of people killed in previous protests and of Abdalla Hamdok, the civilian prime minister who was put under house arrest during the coup, with the slogan: “Legitimacy comes from the street, not from the cannons.”

(With inputs from agencies)

At least 15 were shot dead and dozens of others suffered injuries after the Sudanese Army opened fire at thousands of Sudanese who took to the streets to protest against the military’s October 25 takeover, said medics who are aligned with the movement.

At least 15 were shot dead and dozens of others suffered injuries after the Sudanese Army opened fire at thousands of Sudanese who took to the streets to protest against the military’s October 25 takeover, said medics who are aligned with the movement. The protesters, who were across the capital Khartoum and in the cities of Bahri and Omdurman, demanded a full handover to civilian authorities and for the leaders of the coup to be put on trial. According to reports, security forces fired live rounds and tear gas to prevent gatherings in all three cities, and mobile phone communications were cut, witnesses said. State television said there were injuries among protesters and police. Police have, however, denied using live ammunition, even as a probe was announced to investigate the deaths. Also read | 'Wanted to prevent civil war': Sudan Army chief al-Burhan defends coup The doctors’ union said most of the casualties had suffered gunshot wounds to “the head, neck or torso”. “The coup forces used live bullets heavily in different areas of the capital and there are tens of gunshot injuries, some of them in serious condition,” said the Central Committee of Sudanese Doctors, a group aligned with the protest movement. Deaths were concentrated in Bahri, they said. In response, protesters built extensive barricades, emptying the streets of traffic, a witness told Reuters. Also read | 'No to military rule': Sudan's security forces fire tear gas during anti-coup campaign by teachers “People are just terrified right now,” said a protester based in Omdurman. Earlier, on a main road in Khartoum, protesters burned tyres and chanted: “The people are stronger, and retreat is impossible.” Others carried pictures of people killed in previous protests and of Abdalla Hamdok, the civilian prime minister who was put under house arrest during the coup, with the slogan: “Legitimacy comes from the street, not from the cannons.” (With inputs from agencies)

15 killed, dozens injured after Sudanese Army shoots at anti-coup protesters: Report

Sudan continues to be on the boil, in the latest at least 10 protesters have been shot dead in the capital Khartoum. Thousands took to the street to protest against the military rule across the country, security forces fired tear gas and disconnected phone and internet services.

Sudan: At least 10 protesters shot dead; internet, phone services snapped

Sudan's security forces dispersed demonstrators and rounded up more than 100 people in the capital of Khartoum, in the latest crackdown on pro-democracy protesters after a military coup.

Sudan Coup: Over 100 people rounded up in Khartoum

Furious Sudanese anti-coup protesters vowed to press ahead Friday with a campaign of civil disobedience, following deadly clashes with security forces during demonstrations against a widely condemned military takeover.

At least eight people have been killed and 170 wounded in protests since the army's power grab earlier this week, including one demonstrator who died in violence overnight Thursday when security forces fired tear gas and live and rubber-tipped bullets, according to medics.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/african-union-suspends-sudan-after-military-coup-khartoum-airport-to-be-reopened-424468">African Union suspends Sudan after military coup; Khartoum airport to be reopened</a>

As the country braces for major demonstrations planned for Saturday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged the military "to show restraint and not to create any more victims", saying people "must be allowed to demonstrate peacefully".

General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan -- Sudan's de facto leader since the 2019 ouster of veteran autocrat Omar al-Bashir after huge youth-led protests -- on Monday dissolved the country's civilian-led government and ordered the arrest of several top officials.

Sudan had been ruled since August 2019 by a joint civilian-military council, alongside Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok's administration, as part of the now stalled transition to full civilian rule.

Hamdok has been placed under effective house arrest, while other civilian leaders are in military detention. The capital has been rocked by days of unrest.

"Confronting peaceful protesters with gunfire is something that should not be tolerated," said protester Haitham Mohamed in Khartoum. "It will not make us back down; it only strengthens our resolve."

'Grave setback'&nbsp;

Amnesty International said security forces killed at least six people and wounded 140 others "by shooting live rounds into multiple crowds of protesters in the capital Khartoum" on Monday.

"Sudan's military leaders, led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, must make no mistake about it: the world is watching and will not tolerate further bloodshed," the rights group said in a statement.

Burhan, a senior general under the three decades of Bashir's iron-fisted rule, has insisted the military's takeover "was not a coup" but only meant to "rectify the course of the Sudanese transition".

At Friday prayers in a mosque -- broadcast on state-run Sudan TV and well-attended by soldiers in uniform -- the imam echoed that rhetoric, urging worshippers not to call it a "coup" but rather a "well-timed rectification".

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/military-coup-in-sudan-pm-ministers-and-officials-detained-internet-access-cut-off-423768">Military coup in Sudan:&nbsp;PM, ministers, and officials detained, internet access cut off</a>

"Our loyalty and love should be for the security forces," he said. "We should not harm them."

On Friday, soldiers from the regular army and the much-feared paramilitary Rapid Support Forces patrolled the streets of Khartoum, as well as Khartoum-North and the capital's twin city Omdurman across the Nile River.

Heavily armed security forces tore down protest barricades of tyres and rocks blocking roads, and carried out random searches of people and cars.

"The military is no different than the previous regime," protester Mohamed added.

The internet has been widely blocked, and shops are largely closed in Khartoum. Many civil servants are refusing to work until the transitional government is restored.

The coup was the latest in the impoverished country, which has experienced only rare democratic interludes since independence in 1956 and spent decades riven by civil war.

'Resist'&nbsp;

It prompted international condemnation and several punitive measures, with the World Bank and the United States freezing aid, which will hit a country already mired in a dire economic crisis hard.

The coup was a "grave setback", US President Joe Biden said Thursday, while the African Union has suspended Sudan's membership for the "unconstitutional" takeover.

Protesters are gearing up for what they claim will be a "million" strong march against the military on Saturday.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-anti-coup-protests-sudan-suspends-inbound-and-outbound-flights-424205">Amid anti-coup protests, Sudan suspends inbound and outbound flights</a>

Their slogans are clear: "Burhan, leave power", and "Burhan to Kober!" -- referring to the high-security prison in Khartoum where Bashir is behind bars.

Foreign Minister Mariam al-Mahdi, the daughter of Sudan's last democratically elected prime minister who was ousted in Bashir's 1989 military coup, is one of the few civilian leaders not in detention, and has become a leading critic of Burhan.

"We clearly reject any coup... we also resist it with all civil means," she told Al Arabiya television.

Multiple Sudanese diplomatic missions -- including to the US, China and the European Union -- have openly rejected the military seizure of power, prompting Burhan to sack them.

Earlier this week, soldiers seized control of the state news agency SUNA, forcing journalists out, while on Friday they targeted the Al Democraty newspaper.

Irrigation Minister Yasser Abbas on Friday demanded the release of arrested officials, calling on people to continue their protests "until victory".

Furious Sudanese anti-coup protesters vowed to press ahead Friday with a campaign of civil disobedience, following deadly clashes with security forces during demonstrations against a widely condemned military takeover.

Furious Sudanese anti-coup protesters vowed to press ahead Friday with a campaign of civil disobedience, following deadly clashes with security forces during demonstrations against a widely condemned military takeover. At least eight people have been killed and 170 wounded in protests since the army's power grab earlier this week, including one demonstrator who died in violence overnight Thursday when security forces fired tear gas and live and rubber-tipped bullets, according to medics. Also Read | African Union suspends Sudan after military coup; Khartoum airport to be reopened As the country braces for major demonstrations planned for Saturday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged the military "to show restraint and not to create any more victims", saying people "must be allowed to demonstrate peacefully". General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan -- Sudan's de facto leader since the 2019 ouster of veteran autocrat Omar al-Bashir after huge youth-led protests -- on Monday dissolved the country's civilian-led government and ordered the arrest of several top officials. Sudan had been ruled since August 2019 by a joint civilian-military council, alongside Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok's administration, as part of the now stalled transition to full civilian rule. Hamdok has been placed under effective house arrest, while other civilian leaders are in military detention. The capital has been rocked by days of unrest. "Confronting peaceful protesters with gunfire is something that should not be tolerated," said protester Haitham Mohamed in Khartoum. "It will not make us back down; it only strengthens our resolve." 'Grave setback' Amnesty International said security forces killed at least six people and wounded 140 others "by shooting live rounds into multiple crowds of protesters in the capital Khartoum" on Monday. "Sudan's military leaders, led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, must make no mistake about it: the world is watching and will not tolerate further bloodshed," the rights group said in a statement. Burhan, a senior general under the three decades of Bashir's iron-fisted rule, has insisted the military's takeover "was not a coup" but only meant to "rectify the course of the Sudanese transition". At Friday prayers in a mosque -- broadcast on state-run Sudan TV and well-attended by soldiers in uniform -- the imam echoed that rhetoric, urging worshippers not to call it a "coup" but rather a "well-timed rectification". Also Read | Military coup in Sudan: PM, ministers, and officials detained, internet access cut off "Our loyalty and love should be for the security forces," he said. "We should not harm them." On Friday, soldiers from the regular army and the much-feared paramilitary Rapid Support Forces patrolled the streets of Khartoum, as well as Khartoum-North and the capital's twin city Omdurman across the Nile River. Heavily armed security forces tore down protest barricades of tyres and rocks blocking roads, and carried out random searches of people and cars. "The military is no different than the previous regime," protester Mohamed added. The internet has been widely blocked, and shops are largely closed in Khartoum. Many civil servants are refusing to work until the transitional government is restored. The coup was the latest in the impoverished country, which has experienced only rare democratic interludes since independence in 1956 and spent decades riven by civil war. 'Resist' It prompted international condemnation and several punitive measures, with the World Bank and the United States freezing aid, which will hit a country already mired in a dire economic crisis hard. The coup was a "grave setback", US President Joe Biden said Thursday, while the African Union has suspended Sudan's membership for the "unconstitutional" takeover. Protesters are gearing up for what they claim will be a "million" strong march against the military on Saturday. Also Read | Amid anti-coup protests, Sudan suspends inbound and outbound flights Their slogans are clear: "Burhan, leave power", and "Burhan to Kober!" -- referring to the high-security prison in Khartoum where Bashir is behind bars. Foreign Minister Mariam al-Mahdi, the daughter of Sudan's last democratically elected prime minister who was ousted in Bashir's 1989 military coup, is one of the few civilian leaders not in detention, and has become a leading critic of Burhan. "We clearly reject any coup... we also resist it with all civil means," she told Al Arabiya television. Multiple Sudanese diplomatic missions -- including to the US, China and the European Union -- have openly rejected the military seizure of power, prompting Burhan to sack them. Earlier this week, soldiers seized control of the state news agency SUNA, forcing journalists out, while on Friday they targeted the Al Democraty newspaper. Irrigation Minister Yasser Abbas on Friday demanded the release of arrested officials, calling on people to continue their protests "until victory".

Sudanese vow to keep up protests after deadly clashes

Nearly 20000 Sudanese have rallied in the capital of Khartoum to demand a civilian-led transition to democratic government and accused the generals now in the power of derailing the transition to democracy.

Sudan: Sudanese demand civilian-led transition to democracy

The protest continues in Sudan even after two years since the ouster of dictator Omar al Bashir. Thousands of demonstrators march through capital city of Khartoum, calling for a change.

second anniversary of Sudanese revolution

Last week, we had got you a report on the starving lions in Sudan. Since then, a social media campaign has kicked off to save them. There is new hope for the big cats in Khartoum.

Gravitas: How social media saved Sudan's starving lions

The release earlier this month of still images of malnourished lions languishing in an animal park in Sudan's capital sparked concern around the world for the animals' welfare.

Four Paws team arrives to assess Khartoum lions

A Sudanese court has sentenced 29 intelligence officers to death for the torture and killing of a teacher. Ahmad Al-Khair's case drew widespread attention in Sudan, and his killing fuelled the protests against the 75-year-old Bashir. A huge crowd rallied outside the court in Omdurman, the twin city of the capital, Khartoum, to hear the verdict. #SudanCourt #Sudan #AhmadAlKhairMurder

Fineprint: Sudan court sentences 29 to death for teacher's killing in custody

The verdict in the corruption trial of Sudan's ousted president Omar al-Bashir is to be delivered on December 14, a judge announced Saturday, as his supporters staged a &nbsp;protest outside the court.

Bashir, who was overthrown by the army in April, has been on trial in a Khartoum court since August on charges of illegally acquiring and using foreign funds -- offences that could land him behind bars for more than a decade.

Several hearings have been held, including one on Saturday, in the presence of the deposed leader who followed the proceedings from inside a metal cage.

"It has been decided that on December 14 a session will be held to deliver the verdict," judge Sadeq Abdelrahman said.

Authorities seized 6.9 million euros, $351,770 and 5.7 million Sudanese pounds ($128,000) from Bashir's home, Abdelrahman said at the start of the trial in August.

Bashir said at the time that the funds were the remainder of $25 million received from Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

The aid, he said, formed part of Sudan's strategic relations with Saudi Arabia and were "not used for private interests but as donations".

Several defence witnesses testified in court, some backing up Bashir's account.

Against the backdrop of trial in Khartoum, calls have grown from global rights groups, activists and victims of the war in Darfur to transfer Bashir to The Hague-based International Criminal Court.

'No, No to ICC'

Bashir is wanted by the ICC for his alleged role in the Darfur war that broke out in 2003 as ethnic African rebels took up arms against Bashir's then Arab-dominated government, accusing it of marginalising the region economically and politically.

Khartoum applied what rights groups say was a scorched earth policy against ethnic groups suspected of supporting the rebels -- raping, killing, looting and burning villages.

The ICC has accused Bashir of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity in the vast western region of Darfur. He denies the charges.

About 300,000 people were killed and 2.5 million displaced in the conflict, according to the United Nations.

On Saturday, dozens of Bashir's supporters carrying his portraits held a protest outside the court, vowing to oppose any move by Sudan's new authorities to hand him over to the ICC.

"We are with you. We will never betray you. No, no to ICC," chanted the crowd as the former president was brought to the courthouse for the hearing.

"President Bashir represents the whole of Sudan. We have an independent judiciary and if any trials are to be held, they must be held here," said demonstrator Mohamed Ali Daklai.

"We reject any outside or foreign tribunal. ICC is anyway a political court used by Western countries to pressure the weak."

Bashir was ousted following nationwide protests against his iron-fisted rule of three decades.

The army generals who initially seized power after the president's fall refused to hand 75-year-old Bashir over to the ICC.

The verdict in the corruption trial of Sudan's ousted president Omar al-Bashir is to be delivered on December 14, a judge announced Saturday, as his supporters staged a protest outside the court.

The verdict in the corruption trial of Sudan's ousted president Omar al-Bashir is to be delivered on December 14, a judge announced Saturday, as his supporters staged a protest outside the court. Bashir, who was overthrown by the army in April, has been on trial in a Khartoum court since August on charges of illegally acquiring and using foreign funds -- offences that could land him behind bars for more than a decade. Several hearings have been held, including one on Saturday, in the presence of the deposed leader who followed the proceedings from inside a metal cage. "It has been decided that on December 14 a session will be held to deliver the verdict," judge Sadeq Abdelrahman said. Authorities seized 6.9 million euros, $351,770 and 5.7 million Sudanese pounds ($128,000) from Bashir's home, Abdelrahman said at the start of the trial in August. Bashir said at the time that the funds were the remainder of $25 million received from Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The aid, he said, formed part of Sudan's strategic relations with Saudi Arabia and were "not used for private interests but as donations". Several defence witnesses testified in court, some backing up Bashir's account. Against the backdrop of trial in Khartoum, calls have grown from global rights groups, activists and victims of the war in Darfur to transfer Bashir to The Hague-based International Criminal Court. 'No, No to ICC' Bashir is wanted by the ICC for his alleged role in the Darfur war that broke out in 2003 as ethnic African rebels took up arms against Bashir's then Arab-dominated government, accusing it of marginalising the region economically and politically. Khartoum applied what rights groups say was a scorched earth policy against ethnic groups suspected of supporting the rebels -- raping, killing, looting and burning villages. The ICC has accused Bashir of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity in the vast western region of Darfur. He denies the charges. About 300,000 people were killed and 2.5 million displaced in the conflict, according to the United Nations. On Saturday, dozens of Bashir's supporters carrying his portraits held a protest outside the court, vowing to oppose any move by Sudan's new authorities to hand him over to the ICC. "We are with you. We will never betray you. No, no to ICC," chanted the crowd as the former president was brought to the courthouse for the hearing. "President Bashir represents the whole of Sudan. We have an independent judiciary and if any trials are to be held, they must be held here," said demonstrator Mohamed Ali Daklai. "We reject any outside or foreign tribunal. ICC is anyway a political court used by Western countries to pressure the weak." Bashir was ousted following nationwide protests against his iron-fisted rule of three decades. The army generals who initially seized power after the president's fall refused to hand 75-year-old Bashir over to the ICC.

Sudan verdict in Bashir graft trial on December 14

Tens of thousands of people took to the streets of Khartoum on Saturday (August 17) to celebrate Sudan's main opposition coalition and the ruling military council signing a final power-sharing deal.

Tens of thousands celebrate power-sharing deal in Sudan

Sudan was expected to form its sovereign council Sunday, the first step after the signing of a transitional constitution triggered unprecedented celebration in Khartoum.

Sudan was expected to form its sovereign council Sunday, the first step after the signing of a transitional constitution triggered unprecedented celebration in Khartoum. Rare scenes of jubilation filled the streets of the capital on Saturday after generals and opposition leaders signed the documents that will govern Sudan's three-year transition to civilian rule. The ceremony in a hall by the Nile river was attended by several high-ranking foreign officials, the biggest such event in years to be held in the once-pariah state. Worldwide congratulations poured in after the signing, which revellers and officials alike hailed as the beginning of a "new Sudan" after 30 years of rule by the now-detained Islamist general Omar al-Bashir. "I welcome this historic moment for Sudan. This agreement responds to the demands of the Sudanese people who have tirelessly called for change and a better future," said Britain's Minister for Africa Andrew Stephenson. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo vowed his country would support the establishment of "a government that protects the rights of all Sudanese citizens and leads to free and fair elections". According to the green book of documents signed on Saturday, several key steps will be taken before embarking on the long and obstacle-ridden road to 2022 polls. New institutions The first is to come on Sunday with the planned announcement of the composition of a ruling sovereign council comprised of six civilians and five members of the military. The body, which will replace the Transitional Military Council, will be headed by a general for the first 21 months, and by a civilian for the last 18 months of the transitional period. Abdalla Hamdok, a former UN economist who was picked by the protest camp last week to be prime minister, will be formally appointed on Tuesday. A cabinet is then to be formed before Sudan's new institutions can tackle the main challenges that lie ahead, first among them measures to rescue a moribund economy. Making the most of new freedom acquired during eight months of protests that left at least 250 people dead, Sudanese families took to the streets for wild celebrations Saturday night. Youths spilling out of honking cars drag-raced down the main Nile-side road deep into the night, while groups sang and danced the same two words echoing across the entire city: "Madaniya, Madaniya". It loosely translates as "civilian rule" and one would be hard-pressed to find somebody on the streets of Khartoum publicly opposing that goal. Some members of the opposition alliance that organised the protests, however, fear that the euphoria could be short-lived and deep distrust remains between the incoming sovereign council's main players. Short-lived euphoria? While the power-sharing compromise reached earlier this month was widely hailed as the best Sudan could hope for, some members of the protest camp feel it short-changed their revolution. The omnipresence in the transition of General Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, a paramilitary commander who was one of the signatories of the documents on Saturday, is one of the main causes of unease. His forces are blamed for the deadly repression of the protests and many suspect the man best known by his nickname 'Hemeti' is simply biding his time to pounce on power and nip democracy in the bud. Sudanese analyst Abdel Latif al-Buni stressed however that one of the most immediate perils facing the transition was divisions within the civilian camp. "A spirit of revenge against the former regime is dangerous," he said. "It will lead to a clash between the former regime and the new rulers." Bashir, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court on genocide charges for crimes committed in the Darfur region, faces trial on corruption charges but his fate remains unclear.

Sudan to name ruling council after landmark signing

The launch on Saturday of a historic transition to civilian rule in Sudan comes eight months after the start of popular protests, in which more than 250 were killed.

The launch on Saturday of a historic transition to civilian rule in Sudan comes eight months after the start of popular protests, in which more than 250 were killed. A timeline: Bread price Protests erupted on December 19, 2018, against a government decision to triple bread prices. They quickly spread in the form of weekly demonstrations, and morph into demands for President Omar al-Bashir to quit after three decades of iron-fisted rule. In the capital Khartoum on December 20, demonstrators take to the streets chanting "freedom, peace, justice". On April 6, 2019, thousands gather outside army headquarters in Khartoum, staying there for six days to plead for the military's support. On April 11, military authorities announce they have removed Bashir from power and that a transitional military council will govern for two years. Defying a month-long curfew, thousands of demonstrators remain camped in front of army headquarters as the protest movement demands power to be handed to a civilian government. Talks between ruling generals and protest leaders end abruptly on May 20 without an accord on the make-up of a joint civilian-military council to govern during a transition. Thousands of public and private sector workers strike on May 28 and 29 to pressure the military leaders. In late May, military council chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan visits Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates, countries wary of popular uprisings in the region. Bloody crackdown On June 3, armed men in military fatigues move in on the protest camp outside army headquarters and disperse thousands still gathered there. It is the start of a crackdown that lasts several days, in which 127 people are killed, according to doctors close to the demonstrators. The Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a feared paramilitary that sprang from the notorious Janjaweed militia accused by rights groups of committing war crimes in Darfur, is blamed for the violence. The military rulers announce a probe. The military scraps all previous agreements with protest leaders for a transition and calls for elections within nine months. Protesters denounce a putsch. On June 9, protest leaders launch a nationwide campaign of civil disobedience that paralyses the country for two days, hitting the economy hard. After both sides signal, they are ready to talk again, Ethiopia and African Union mediators in late June present new proposals for a transition. On June 30, tens of thousands of protesters again rally. Security forces are deployed en masse and police fire tears gas at crowds. Several are killed. Power deal agreed On July 5, after two days of negotiations, the two sides agree in principle on an accord providing for power-sharing before the transition to civilian rule. Crowds take to the streets of Khartoum to celebrate. On July 29, six demonstrators, including four school students, are shot dead during a rally in the central town of Al-Obeid against shortages of bread and fuel. Negotiations are suspended, before resuming on August 1. On August 4, the military and protest leaders sign a declaration, under which a joint civilian-military ruling body will govern for a 39-month transition period, overseeing the formation of a civilian government and parliament. On August 15, veteran economist Abdalla Hamdok is nominated as prime minister of the future transition government. The next day, Qatari broadcaster Al-Jazeera says it has been allowed to reopen its Khartoum office, which had been shut down in May.

Sudan: From demonstrations to transition accord

For decades the Equestrian and Racing Club has given upper-crust Sudanese the chance to learn horse riding and watch horse racing in a shady compound set apart from the surrounding urban bustle of the capital Khartoum.&nbsp; &nbsp;

But the club has had to cut back activities since popular unrest erupted in December and led to the fall of autocratic President Omar al-Bashir in April, dampening higher social life.

Horse races were halted and attendance at equestrian classes dwindled after protests broke out in the dusty streets of the capital on the Nile river, with the loss of scores of lives as security forces cracked down.&nbsp;

"The main problem is that people don`t have enough cash (for the club), they're keeping it to live on, not to bring children to ride horses," said Rafat Awad, the club`s treasurer.

"You see the situation in our country, people dying. You can't just go and race. Some people are sad, some are angry, some still waging revolution, so we found it wasn't&nbsp;right to stage competitions."&nbsp;

The club was founded in 1908 under British colonial rule but betting on horse races ended in 1983 when sharia (Islamic law) took effect. Before being halted, horse races were run through sponsorships and some 200 horses are kept in the club's stables.&nbsp;

There has been a modest resurgence of visitors to the club in recent weeks as violence has eased following a political transition deal between the temporary ruling military council and opposition leaders.

Around two dozen people, including children, come for riding classes in the evenings, after the searing daytime heat eases, often watched by their families.

Lessons are offered daily except Friday, the Muslim holy day, for 1,400 Sudanese pounds (nearly $20) a month - a sum beyond the means of most Sudanese, let alone the cost of buying and keeping a horse at the club.&nbsp;

Some female club members describe how they`ve had to overcome the disapproval of women participating in a sport that is common in strictly Islamic Sudan.

&nbsp;"If your family members are interested, it's easier than if you start on your own," said Einas, 18, who has been riding for one year. Her father has racehorses and has won competitions. She said that in Sudan, however, racing was mainly a man`s sport while women often practiced show-jumping.

Twenty-four-year-old Sagada, a club member who had been riding for 11 years, said: "My mum brought me here, my family doesn't mind that I'm a woman riding.&nbsp;

"It can be a bit hard - some people disapprove of how we are dressed," she added, referring to tight-fitting equestrian garb.

For decades the Equestrian and Racing Club has given upper-crust Sudanese the chance to learn horse riding and watch horse racing in a shady compound set apart from the surrounding urban bustle of the capital Khartoum.

For decades the Equestrian and Racing Club has given upper-crust Sudanese the chance to learn horse riding and watch horse racing in a shady compound set apart from the surrounding urban bustle of the capital Khartoum. But the club has had to cut back activities since popular unrest erupted in December and led to the fall of autocratic President Omar al-Bashir in April, dampening higher social life. Horse races were halted and attendance at equestrian classes dwindled after protests broke out in the dusty streets of the capital on the Nile river, with the loss of scores of lives as security forces cracked down. "The main problem is that people don`t have enough cash (for the club), they're keeping it to live on, not to bring children to ride horses," said Rafat Awad, the club`s treasurer. "You see the situation in our country, people dying. You can't just go and race. Some people are sad, some are angry, some still waging revolution, so we found it wasn't right to stage competitions." The club was founded in 1908 under British colonial rule but betting on horse races ended in 1983 when sharia (Islamic law) took effect. Before being halted, horse races were run through sponsorships and some 200 horses are kept in the club's stables. There has been a modest resurgence of visitors to the club in recent weeks as violence has eased following a political transition deal between the temporary ruling military council and opposition leaders. Around two dozen people, including children, come for riding classes in the evenings, after the searing daytime heat eases, often watched by their families. Lessons are offered daily except Friday, the Muslim holy day, for 1,400 Sudanese pounds (nearly $20) a month - a sum beyond the means of most Sudanese, let alone the cost of buying and keeping a horse at the club. Some female club members describe how they`ve had to overcome the disapproval of women participating in a sport that is common in strictly Islamic Sudan. "If your family members are interested, it's easier than if you start on your own," said Einas, 18, who has been riding for one year. Her father has racehorses and has won competitions. She said that in Sudan, however, racing was mainly a man`s sport while women often practiced show-jumping. Twenty-four-year-old Sagada, a club member who had been riding for 11 years, said: "My mum brought me here, my family doesn't mind that I'm a woman riding. "It can be a bit hard - some people disapprove of how we are dressed," she added, referring to tight-fitting equestrian garb.

Khartoum's Equestrian Club struggles amid Sudan upheaval

Olga Misik: The new icon of defiance

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