Talks between Sudan's ruling military council and the opposition over the path to a new sovereign council to run the country after the overthrow of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudan-charges-ousted-leader-omar-al-bashir-with-corruption-state-media-226978">President Omar al-Bashir </a>were postponed on Tuesday after four young protesters were shot dead.

Below is a timeline of key developments:

Dec 19, 2018 - Hundreds protest in the northern city of Atbara against soaring bread prices. Demonstrations spurred by a broader economic crisis spread to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-2-killed-as-sudan-military-attempts-to-break-up-sit-in-outside-khartoum-army-hq-223791">Khartoum and other cities</a> in the days that follow. Crowds start chanting: "The people want the fall of the regime" a slogan used in the "Arab Spring" uprisings that unseated rulers across the Muslim world in 2011. Security services respond with tear gas and gunfire.

April 11, 2019 - The army overthrows President Omar al-Bashir, ending his three decades in power. The generals announce two years of military rule followed by-elections. Street celebrations turn into more demonstrations as hundreds of thousands demand a handover to civilians.

June 3 - Security forces raid a sit-in protest outside the defence ministry in Khartoum. Crowds flee in panic. In the days that follow, opposition-linked medics say more than 100 people were killed in the assault.

June 16 - Bashir appears in public for the first time since his overthrow as he is taken from prison to be charged with corruption-related offences. He has already been charged with incitement and involvement in the killing of protesters.

July 5 - The military council and a coalition of opposition and protest groups agree provisionally to share power for three years, after mediation by Ethiopia and pressure from the African Union and world powers. They signed a political accord on July 17 that defines the transition's institutions. Differences remain over the wording of a constitutional declaration.

July 29 - At least four children and one adult are shot dead when security forces break up a student protest against fuel and bread shortages in the <a href="El-Obeid">city of El-Obeid</a>, opposition-linked doctors say.

Talks between Sudan's ruling military council and the opposition over the path to a new sovereign council to run the country after the overthrow of President Omar al-Bashir were postponed on Tuesday after four young protesters were shot dead.

Talks between Sudan's ruling military council and the opposition over the path to a new sovereign council to run the country after the overthrow of President Omar al-Bashir were postponed on Tuesday after four young protesters were shot dead. Below is a timeline of key developments: Dec 19, 2018 - Hundreds protest in the northern city of Atbara against soaring bread prices. Demonstrations spurred by a broader economic crisis spread to Khartoum and other cities in the days that follow. Crowds start chanting: "The people want the fall of the regime" a slogan used in the "Arab Spring" uprisings that unseated rulers across the Muslim world in 2011. Security services respond with tear gas and gunfire. April 11, 2019 - The army overthrows President Omar al-Bashir, ending his three decades in power. The generals announce two years of military rule followed by-elections. Street celebrations turn into more demonstrations as hundreds of thousands demand a handover to civilians. June 3 - Security forces raid a sit-in protest outside the defence ministry in Khartoum. Crowds flee in panic. In the days that follow, opposition-linked medics say more than 100 people were killed in the assault. June 16 - Bashir appears in public for the first time since his overthrow as he is taken from prison to be charged with corruption-related offences. He has already been charged with incitement and involvement in the killing of protesters. July 5 - The military council and a coalition of opposition and protest groups agree provisionally to share power for three years, after mediation by Ethiopia and pressure from the African Union and world powers. They signed a political accord on July 17 that defines the transition's institutions. Differences remain over the wording of a constitutional declaration. July 29 - At least four children and one adult are shot dead when security forces break up a student protest against fuel and bread shortages in the city of El-Obeid, opposition-linked doctors say.

Timeline: Key dates in Sudan's political upheaval

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/how-sudans-economic-crisis-had-a-role-in-protests-that-toppled-al-bashir-216685">Sudanese </a>authorities Tuesday ordered all schools nationwide to suspend classes indefinitely after crowds of students launched <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudan-talks-cancelled-as-teenagers-killing-triggers-outrage-239565">demonstrations against the killing of six protesters</a> including five pupils at a rally in a central town.

"Killing a student is killing a nation," chanted hundreds of schoolchildren, dressed in their uniforms and waving Sudanese flags, as they took to the streets of Khartoum against the killings in Al-Obeid on Monday.

Sporadic protests by schoolchildren were also held in other parts of the capital and in other cities.

Five high-school students were shot dead and more than 60 wounded, some by snipers, when they rallied in Al-Obeid against fuel and bread shortages, the protest movement and residents said.

Late on Tuesday, a doctors committee close to the protest movement said a sixth protester died of wounds after he was "shot with a bullet in the head".

The committee did not say if he too was a student.

Demonstrators accused feared paramilitaries of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of shooting dead the teenagers.

On Tuesday, the authorities ordered all schools nationwide to suspend classes.

"Orders have been given to governors of all states to shut kindergartens, primary and high schools from tomorrow (Wednesday) until further notice," the official SUNA news agency said, following a directive issued by the ruling military council.

Watch: Four school children shot dead at Sudan protest

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The killings came a day before protest leaders were due to hold talks with generals on remaining aspects of installing civilian rule after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudan-protesters-army-rulers-ink-power-sharing-deal-236637">two sides inked a power-sharing deal </a>earlier this month.

But protest leaders called off Tuesday's meeting.

"There will be no negotiation today with the Transitional Military Council as our negotiating team is still in Al-Obeid and will return only tonight," said a negotiator and prominent protest leader, Satea al-Haj.

The chairman of Sudan's military council, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, condemned the killings.

"What happened in Al-Obeid is sad. Killing peaceful civilians is an unacceptable crime that needs immediate accountability," he told journalists, quoted by state television.

Later on Tuesday in an interview with state television Burhan called on negotiators from both sides to "expedite" the dialogue given the overall impasse in the country.

On the streets, crowds of students rallied in Khartoum waving flags and chanting: "The people want to fight for the rights of martyrs."

"We keep silent all the time and they kill us," said Enas Saifeddine, a 16-year-old high school student.

- UN calls for probe -

The UN children's agency UNICEF called on the authorities "to investigate" the killings and hold the perpetrators accountable.

Authorities announced a night-time curfew in four towns in North Kordofan following the deaths in Al-Obeid, as the main protest group, the Sudanese Professionals Association, called for nationwide rallies against the "massacre".

"The Janjaweed forces and some snipers, without any mercy, confronted school students with live ammunition," the SPA said, referring to the RSF which has its origins in Arab militias that were originally deployed to suppress an ethnic minority rebellion that erupted in Sudan's western region of Darfur in 2003.

Burhan defended the RSF as "a systematic force that was part of the armed forces".

Doctors linked to the protest movement say more than 250 people have been killed nationwide in protest-related violence since December when demonstrations first erupted against now ousted president Omar al-Bashir.

- Outstanding issues -

Tuesday's talks were to cover issues including the powers of the joint civilian-military ruling body, the deployment of security forces and immunity for generals over protest-related violence, according to protest leaders.

The power-sharing deal agreed on July 17 calls for the establishment of a new governing body of six civilians and five generals.

But the publication on Saturday of the findings of an investigation commissioned by the military into the deadly dispersal of a Khartoum protest camp in June also triggered angry demonstrations.

Shortly before dawn on June 3, gunmen in military fatigues raided the site of a weeks-long sit-in outside army headquarters, shooting and beating protesters.

Doctors linked to the protests say the raid left 127 people dead and scores wounded.

Protest leaders have rejected the findings of a joint investigation by prosecutors and the military council which concluded that just 17 people were killed on June 3, with a total of 87 deaths between that day and June 10.

Burhan said there was "no interference" in the raid's investigation, which prosecutors conducted independently.

"No one from the military council knew or ordered the dispersal of the sit-on," he added. 
&nbsp;

Sudanese authorities Tuesday ordered all schools nationwide to suspend classes indefinitely after crowds of students launched demonstrations against the killing of six protesters including five pupils at a rally in a central town.

Sudanese authorities Tuesday ordered all schools nationwide to suspend classes indefinitely after crowds of students launched demonstrations against the killing of six protesters including five pupils at a rally in a central town. "Killing a student is killing a nation," chanted hundreds of schoolchildren, dressed in their uniforms and waving Sudanese flags, as they took to the streets of Khartoum against the killings in Al-Obeid on Monday. Sporadic protests by schoolchildren were also held in other parts of the capital and in other cities. Five high-school students were shot dead and more than 60 wounded, some by snipers, when they rallied in Al-Obeid against fuel and bread shortages, the protest movement and residents said. Late on Tuesday, a doctors committee close to the protest movement said a sixth protester died of wounds after he was "shot with a bullet in the head". The committee did not say if he too was a student. Demonstrators accused feared paramilitaries of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of shooting dead the teenagers. On Tuesday, the authorities ordered all schools nationwide to suspend classes. "Orders have been given to governors of all states to shut kindergartens, primary and high schools from tomorrow (Wednesday) until further notice," the official SUNA news agency said, following a directive issued by the ruling military council. Watch: Four school children shot dead at Sudan protest × The killings came a day before protest leaders were due to hold talks with generals on remaining aspects of installing civilian rule after the two sides inked a power-sharing deal earlier this month. But protest leaders called off Tuesday's meeting. "There will be no negotiation today with the Transitional Military Council as our negotiating team is still in Al-Obeid and will return only tonight," said a negotiator and prominent protest leader, Satea al-Haj. The chairman of Sudan's military council, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, condemned the killings. "What happened in Al-Obeid is sad. Killing peaceful civilians is an unacceptable crime that needs immediate accountability," he told journalists, quoted by state television. Later on Tuesday in an interview with state television Burhan called on negotiators from both sides to "expedite" the dialogue given the overall impasse in the country. On the streets, crowds of students rallied in Khartoum waving flags and chanting: "The people want to fight for the rights of martyrs." "We keep silent all the time and they kill us," said Enas Saifeddine, a 16-year-old high school student. - UN calls for probe - The UN children's agency UNICEF called on the authorities "to investigate" the killings and hold the perpetrators accountable. Authorities announced a night-time curfew in four towns in North Kordofan following the deaths in Al-Obeid, as the main protest group, the Sudanese Professionals Association, called for nationwide rallies against the "massacre". "The Janjaweed forces and some snipers, without any mercy, confronted school students with live ammunition," the SPA said, referring to the RSF which has its origins in Arab militias that were originally deployed to suppress an ethnic minority rebellion that erupted in Sudan's western region of Darfur in 2003. Burhan defended the RSF as "a systematic force that was part of the armed forces". Doctors linked to the protest movement say more than 250 people have been killed nationwide in protest-related violence since December when demonstrations first erupted against now ousted president Omar al-Bashir. - Outstanding issues - Tuesday's talks were to cover issues including the powers of the joint civilian-military ruling body, the deployment of security forces and immunity for generals over protest-related violence, according to protest leaders. The power-sharing deal agreed on July 17 calls for the establishment of a new governing body of six civilians and five generals. But the publication on Saturday of the findings of an investigation commissioned by the military into the deadly dispersal of a Khartoum protest camp in June also triggered angry demonstrations. Shortly before dawn on June 3, gunmen in military fatigues raided the site of a weeks-long sit-in outside army headquarters, shooting and beating protesters. Doctors linked to the protests say the raid left 127 people dead and scores wounded. Protest leaders have rejected the findings of a joint investigation by prosecutors and the military council which concluded that just 17 people were killed on June 3, with a total of 87 deaths between that day and June 10. Burhan said there was "no interference" in the raid's investigation, which prosecutors conducted independently. "No one from the military council knew or ordered the dispersal of the sit-on," he added.

Sudan shuts schools as pupils' killing sparks outrage

Sudanese protest leaders cancelled planned talks with the country's ruling generals on Tuesday as hundreds of schoolchildren demonstrated in Khartoum against the shooting dead of five pupils at a rally.

"Killing a student is killing a nation," chanted crowds of schoolchildren, dressed in their uniforms and waving Sudanese flags, in the capital's eastern district of Burri.

Sporadic protests by schoolchildren were also held in other parts of the capital.

Demonstrators accused feared paramilitaries of the Rapid Support Forces of shooting dead the five teenagers on Monday in the central town of Al-Obeid at a rally against shortages of bread and fuel.

The killings came a day before protest leaders were due to hold talks with generals on the remaining aspects of installing civilian rule after the two sides inked a power-sharing deal earlier this month.

But three protest leaders said the dialogue would not take place as planned.

"There will be no negotiations today as we are still in Al-Obeid," Taha Osman, a negotiator from the protest movement, told AFP by telephone from the town.

"There will be no negotiation today with the Transitional Military Council as our negotiating team is still in Al-Obeid and will return only tonight," a second negotiator, Satea al-Haj, said.

Another protest leader told AFP on condition of anonymity that talks would resume after "calm returns to the streets as the dialogue was the only way to break the overall political impasse".

The chairman of Sudan's ruling military council, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, condemned the killings.

"What happened in Al-Obeid is sad. Killing peaceful civilians is an unacceptable crime that needs immediate accountability," the chairman of Sudan's ruling military council told journalists, according to state television.

Crowds of students rallied in Khartoum waving Sudanese flags and chanting: "The people want to fight for the rights of martyrs".

"We keep silent all the time and they kill us," said Enas Saifeddine, a 16-year-old high school student.

"The five students of Al-Obeid were killed because they were asking for something that is basic like food, water and electricity."

UN calls for probe

The UN children's agency UNICEF called on the authorities "to investigate" the killings and hold the perpetrators accountable.

"No child should be buried in their school uniform," UNICEF said, adding that the pupils killed were between 15 and 17 years old.

Authorities announced a night-time curfew in four towns in North Kordofan state following the deaths in Al-Obeid, as the main protest group, the Sudanese Professionals Association, called for nationwide rallies against the "massacre".

All schools in the state have been told to suspend classes.

"The Janjaweed forces and some snipers, without any mercy, confronted school students with live ammunition," the SPA said, referring to the RSF which has its origins in Arab militias that were originally deployed to suppress an ethnic minority rebellion that erupted in Sudan's western region of Darfur in 2003.

The SPA said more than 60 people were wounded in Al-Obeid.

Doctors linked to the protest movement say that more than 250 people have been killed nationwide in protest-related violence since December when demonstrations first erupted against now-ousted president Omar al-Bashir.

Outstanding issues

The teenagers' deaths had prompted calls for Tuesday's planned talks to be suspended.

"We cannot sit at the negotiating table with those allowing the killing of revolutionaries," Siddig Youssef, a prominent protest leader, said in a statement.

Tuesday's talks were to cover issues including the powers of the joint civilian-military ruling body, the deployment of security forces and immunity for generals over protest-related violence, according to protest leaders.

The power-sharing deal agreed on July 17 provided for the establishment of a new governing body of six civilians and five generals.

But the publication on Saturday of the findings of an investigation commissioned by the military into the deadly dispersal of a Khartoum protest camp in June has triggered angry demonstrations.

Shortly before dawn on June 3, gunmen in military fatigues raided the site of the weeks-long sit-in outside army headquarters, shooting and beating protesters.

Doctors linked to the protest movement say the raid left 127 people dead and scores wounded.

Protest leaders have rejected the findings of a joint investigation by prosecutors and the ruling military council which concluded that just 17 people were killed on June 3, with a total of 87 deaths between that day and June 10.

Sudanese protest leaders cancelled planned talks with the country's ruling generals on Tuesday as hundreds of schoolchildren demonstrated in Khartoum against the shooting dead of five pupils at a rally.

Sudanese protest leaders cancelled planned talks with the country's ruling generals on Tuesday as hundreds of schoolchildren demonstrated in Khartoum against the shooting dead of five pupils at a rally. "Killing a student is killing a nation," chanted crowds of schoolchildren, dressed in their uniforms and waving Sudanese flags, in the capital's eastern district of Burri. Sporadic protests by schoolchildren were also held in other parts of the capital. Demonstrators accused feared paramilitaries of the Rapid Support Forces of shooting dead the five teenagers on Monday in the central town of Al-Obeid at a rally against shortages of bread and fuel. The killings came a day before protest leaders were due to hold talks with generals on the remaining aspects of installing civilian rule after the two sides inked a power-sharing deal earlier this month. But three protest leaders said the dialogue would not take place as planned. "There will be no negotiations today as we are still in Al-Obeid," Taha Osman, a negotiator from the protest movement, told AFP by telephone from the town. "There will be no negotiation today with the Transitional Military Council as our negotiating team is still in Al-Obeid and will return only tonight," a second negotiator, Satea al-Haj, said. Another protest leader told AFP on condition of anonymity that talks would resume after "calm returns to the streets as the dialogue was the only way to break the overall political impasse". The chairman of Sudan's ruling military council, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, condemned the killings. "What happened in Al-Obeid is sad. Killing peaceful civilians is an unacceptable crime that needs immediate accountability," the chairman of Sudan's ruling military council told journalists, according to state television. Crowds of students rallied in Khartoum waving Sudanese flags and chanting: "The people want to fight for the rights of martyrs". "We keep silent all the time and they kill us," said Enas Saifeddine, a 16-year-old high school student. "The five students of Al-Obeid were killed because they were asking for something that is basic like food, water and electricity." UN calls for probe The UN children's agency UNICEF called on the authorities "to investigate" the killings and hold the perpetrators accountable. "No child should be buried in their school uniform," UNICEF said, adding that the pupils killed were between 15 and 17 years old. Authorities announced a night-time curfew in four towns in North Kordofan state following the deaths in Al-Obeid, as the main protest group, the Sudanese Professionals Association, called for nationwide rallies against the "massacre". All schools in the state have been told to suspend classes. "The Janjaweed forces and some snipers, without any mercy, confronted school students with live ammunition," the SPA said, referring to the RSF which has its origins in Arab militias that were originally deployed to suppress an ethnic minority rebellion that erupted in Sudan's western region of Darfur in 2003. The SPA said more than 60 people were wounded in Al-Obeid. Doctors linked to the protest movement say that more than 250 people have been killed nationwide in protest-related violence since December when demonstrations first erupted against now-ousted president Omar al-Bashir. Outstanding issues The teenagers' deaths had prompted calls for Tuesday's planned talks to be suspended. "We cannot sit at the negotiating table with those allowing the killing of revolutionaries," Siddig Youssef, a prominent protest leader, said in a statement. Tuesday's talks were to cover issues including the powers of the joint civilian-military ruling body, the deployment of security forces and immunity for generals over protest-related violence, according to protest leaders. The power-sharing deal agreed on July 17 provided for the establishment of a new governing body of six civilians and five generals. But the publication on Saturday of the findings of an investigation commissioned by the military into the deadly dispersal of a Khartoum protest camp in June has triggered angry demonstrations. Shortly before dawn on June 3, gunmen in military fatigues raided the site of the weeks-long sit-in outside army headquarters, shooting and beating protesters. Doctors linked to the protest movement say the raid left 127 people dead and scores wounded. Protest leaders have rejected the findings of a joint investigation by prosecutors and the ruling military council which concluded that just 17 people were killed on June 3, with a total of 87 deaths between that day and June 10.

Sudan talks cancelled as teenagers' killing triggers outrage

At least four school children and one adult were shot dead when security forces broke up a student protest in the Sudanese city of El-Obeid on Monday, campaigners said.

Gunfire rang out as teenagers rallied against fuel and bread shortages in the capital of North Kordofan state, residents said, at a time of heightened tension between opposition campaigners and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/how-sudans-economic-crisis-had-a-role-in-protests-that-toppled-al-bashir-216685">Sudan</a>'s military rulers.

The Forces of Freedom and Change coalition of opposition groups accused military and paramilitary forces of opening fire on the high school pupils and called for nationwide protests in response.

There was no immediate statement from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudan-probe-shows-paramilitaries-involved-in-deadly-raid-on-sit-in-238911">Sudan's ruling military council</a>.

The governor of North Kordofan, General Al-Sadiq al-Tayeb Abdallah, said that three high school students and two other citizens died when "infiltrators" diverted a peaceful demonstration from its course and attacked a bank branch and tried to attack another, state news agency SUNA reported.

He did not say how the victims died but added that a committee was set up to investigate.

Watch: Sudan says 87 killed when troops broke up protest, critics say too low

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A building belonging to the Bank of Khartoum was set on fire during the unrest in El-Obeid, 400 km (250 miles) southwest of the capital Khartoum, residents told Reuters.

Videos circulating on social media purported to show pupils protesting outside El-Obeid's main hospital against the killings and injuries.

Hundreds of teenagers in uniform chanted "blood for blood, we will not accept blood money" in the footage. Reuters could not immediately verify the authenticity of the videos.

A member of a professional body of pharmacists linked to the opposition captured a video and photographs that he said showed a corpse and several wounded young men inside El-Obeid Teaching Hospital.

"Indiscriminately fired"

Opposition activists, unions and professional groups launched nationwide protests against mounting economic hardship in December last year.

The military ended the 30-year rule of President Omar al-Bashir in April as protests persisted. But activists kept up their demonstrations, pressing for the military to speed up the move to civilian rule and calling for justice for people killed during a raid on a sit-in protest in Khartoum in June.

The Forces of Freedom and Change coalition called for Monday's attackers in El-Obeid to be held accountable and for the ruling military council to immediately agree the details of a new transitional authority.

"Forces belonging to the army and Rapid Support (paramilitary force) indiscriminately and violently fired this afternoon at peaceful demonstrations of secondary school students in El-Obeid," the coalition said in a statement.

"Only a civilian authority is capable of carrying out independent investigations into all crimes,” it added.

Sudan's state news agency SUNA said that North Kordofan authorities had closed all schools across the state until further notice and described the events as "regrettable".

El-Obeid residents said a funeral would be held on Tuesday for those killed.

In Khartoum, a Reuters witness said dozens of protesters took to the streets in several neighbourhoods after hearing about the El-Obeid violence.

The head of an official Sudanese investigation said on Saturday 87 people were killed when security forces broke up a sit-in protest in Khartoum on June 3, a figure that prompted demonstrations across the capital as opponents of Sudan's military rulers dismissed it as far too low.

Separately, Sudan's supreme administrative court annulled a military council decision to fire chief prosecutor Amer Mohamed Ibrahim, and ordered him reinstated to his post, state news agency SUNA reported.

Ibrahim was among several judicial officials who were sacked by the military council head in April after Bashir's ouster.

At least four school children and one adult were shot dead when security forces broke up a student protest in the Sudanese city of El-Obeid on Monday, campaigners said.

At least four school children and one adult were shot dead when security forces broke up a student protest in the Sudanese city of El-Obeid on Monday, campaigners said. Gunfire rang out as teenagers rallied against fuel and bread shortages in the capital of North Kordofan state, residents said, at a time of heightened tension between opposition campaigners and Sudan's military rulers. The Forces of Freedom and Change coalition of opposition groups accused military and paramilitary forces of opening fire on the high school pupils and called for nationwide protests in response. There was no immediate statement from Sudan's ruling military council. The governor of North Kordofan, General Al-Sadiq al-Tayeb Abdallah, said that three high school students and two other citizens died when "infiltrators" diverted a peaceful demonstration from its course and attacked a bank branch and tried to attack another, state news agency SUNA reported. He did not say how the victims died but added that a committee was set up to investigate. Watch: Sudan says 87 killed when troops broke up protest, critics say too low × A building belonging to the Bank of Khartoum was set on fire during the unrest in El-Obeid, 400 km (250 miles) southwest of the capital Khartoum, residents told Reuters. Videos circulating on social media purported to show pupils protesting outside El-Obeid's main hospital against the killings and injuries. Hundreds of teenagers in uniform chanted "blood for blood, we will not accept blood money" in the footage. Reuters could not immediately verify the authenticity of the videos. A member of a professional body of pharmacists linked to the opposition captured a video and photographs that he said showed a corpse and several wounded young men inside El-Obeid Teaching Hospital. "Indiscriminately fired" Opposition activists, unions and professional groups launched nationwide protests against mounting economic hardship in December last year. The military ended the 30-year rule of President Omar al-Bashir in April as protests persisted. But activists kept up their demonstrations, pressing for the military to speed up the move to civilian rule and calling for justice for people killed during a raid on a sit-in protest in Khartoum in June. The Forces of Freedom and Change coalition called for Monday's attackers in El-Obeid to be held accountable and for the ruling military council to immediately agree the details of a new transitional authority. "Forces belonging to the army and Rapid Support (paramilitary force) indiscriminately and violently fired this afternoon at peaceful demonstrations of secondary school students in El-Obeid," the coalition said in a statement. "Only a civilian authority is capable of carrying out independent investigations into all crimes,” it added. Sudan's state news agency SUNA said that North Kordofan authorities had closed all schools across the state until further notice and described the events as "regrettable". El-Obeid residents said a funeral would be held on Tuesday for those killed. In Khartoum, a Reuters witness said dozens of protesters took to the streets in several neighbourhoods after hearing about the El-Obeid violence. The head of an official Sudanese investigation said on Saturday 87 people were killed when security forces broke up a sit-in protest in Khartoum on June 3, a figure that prompted demonstrations across the capital as opponents of Sudan's military rulers dismissed it as far too low. Separately, Sudan's supreme administrative court annulled a military council decision to fire chief prosecutor Amer Mohamed Ibrahim, and ordered him reinstated to his post, state news agency SUNA reported. Ibrahim was among several judicial officials who were sacked by the military council head in April after Bashir's ouster.

Four school children shot dead at Sudan protest: Opposition campaigners

Sudanese police fired tear gas Sunday at scores of protesters demanding an independent probe into a deadly June raid on a Khartoum sit-in, despite an investigation identifying eight officers it said were involved.

The joint probe by prosecutors and Sudan's ruling military council showed that security forces, including a general from the feared paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, took part in the June 3 raid on the protest camp -- despite having no orders from their superiors to do so.

The eight accused officers face charges of crimes against humanity, chief investigator Fatah al-Rahman Saeed told reporters on Saturday.

But protest leaders rejected the findings of the investigation, saying it exonerated the military council and gave a far lower death toll than their own figures.

Doctors linked to the protest movement say the June 3 raid left 127 people dead and scores wounded.&nbsp;

Saeed said investigators found that just 17 people were killed on June 3, while a total of 87 died between that day and June 10.

The Sudanese Professionals Association, the key protest group which first spearheaded the campaign against now-ousted leader Omar al-Bashir, rejected the probe.

Saeed's inquiry "was commissioned by the military council, this is challenging its integrity as the military council itself is accused in this case," it said.

On Sunday, scores of protesters chanting the months-long protest movement's catchcry of "Freedom, peace, justice!" rallied in Khartoum's eastern Burri district, witnesses said, adding that riot police swiftly dispersed the crowd with tear gas.

Some protesters threw stones at the police, the witnesses said.

The country's ruling generals have insisted they did not order the dispersal of the sit-in, which protesters had set up on April 6 to demand the army's support in toppling longtime leader Omar al-Bashir.

Bashir was ousted on April 11, but protesters stayed at the protest camp to demand that the military council which replaced him cede power to civilians.

General Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, who heads the RSF and is also the ruling military council's deputy chief, has consistently denied that his men were involved in the crackdown, which triggered international outrage.

But Saeed said an RSF general had ordered a colonel to disperse the sit-in as a separate security force was clearing a nearby area known as Colombia.

"They led the forces... inside the sit-in area and ordered them to get down from their vehicles and whip the protesters," Saeed said.

Sudanese police fired tear gas Sunday at scores of protesters demanding an independent probe into a deadly June raid on a Khartoum sit-in, despite an investigation identifying eight officers it said were involved.

Sudanese police fired tear gas Sunday at scores of protesters demanding an independent probe into a deadly June raid on a Khartoum sit-in, despite an investigation identifying eight officers it said were involved. The joint probe by prosecutors and Sudan's ruling military council showed that security forces, including a general from the feared paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, took part in the June 3 raid on the protest camp -- despite having no orders from their superiors to do so. The eight accused officers face charges of crimes against humanity, chief investigator Fatah al-Rahman Saeed told reporters on Saturday. But protest leaders rejected the findings of the investigation, saying it exonerated the military council and gave a far lower death toll than their own figures. Doctors linked to the protest movement say the June 3 raid left 127 people dead and scores wounded. Saeed said investigators found that just 17 people were killed on June 3, while a total of 87 died between that day and June 10. The Sudanese Professionals Association, the key protest group which first spearheaded the campaign against now-ousted leader Omar al-Bashir, rejected the probe. Saeed's inquiry "was commissioned by the military council, this is challenging its integrity as the military council itself is accused in this case," it said. On Sunday, scores of protesters chanting the months-long protest movement's catchcry of "Freedom, peace, justice!" rallied in Khartoum's eastern Burri district, witnesses said, adding that riot police swiftly dispersed the crowd with tear gas. Some protesters threw stones at the police, the witnesses said. The country's ruling generals have insisted they did not order the dispersal of the sit-in, which protesters had set up on April 6 to demand the army's support in toppling longtime leader Omar al-Bashir. Bashir was ousted on April 11, but protesters stayed at the protest camp to demand that the military council which replaced him cede power to civilians. General Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, who heads the RSF and is also the ruling military council's deputy chief, has consistently denied that his men were involved in the crackdown, which triggered international outrage. But Saeed said an RSF general had ordered a colonel to disperse the sit-in as a separate security force was clearing a nearby area known as Colombia. "They led the forces... inside the sit-in area and ordered them to get down from their vehicles and whip the protesters," Saeed said.

Sudan police tear gas rally urging impartial probe into deadly raid

The head of a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudan-protesters-army-rulers-ink-power-sharing-deal-236637">Sudanese</a> investigative committee said on Saturday that 87 people were killed and 168 wounded on June 3 when a sit-in protest was violently broken up by security forces.

Fath al-Rahman Saeed, the head of the committee, told a news conference that 17 of those killed were in the square occupied by protesters and 48 of the wounded were hit by bullets.

Some <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudan-military-says-it-thwarts-coup-attempt-arrests-senior-officers-238272">security forces</a> fired at protesters and three officers violated orders by moving forces into the sit-in, he said, adding that an order was also issued to whip protesters.

Opposition medics have said 127 people were killed and 400 wounded in the dispersal, while the Health Ministry had put the death toll at 61.

The sit-in outside the Defence Ministry in the capital Khartoum was a focal point for protests that led to the ouster of long-time President Omar al-Badri on April 11.

"Some outlaws exploited this gathering and formed another gathering in what is known as the Columbia area, where negative and illegal practices took place," Saeed said.

"It became a security threat, forcing the authorities to make necessary arrangements to clear the area," he said.

The head of a Sudanese investigative committee said on Saturday that 87 people were killed and 168 wounded on June 3 when a sit-in protest was violently broken up by security forces.

The head of a Sudanese investigative committee said on Saturday that 87 people were killed and 168 wounded on June 3 when a sit-in protest was violently broken up by security forces. Fath al-Rahman Saeed, the head of the committee, told a news conference that 17 of those killed were in the square occupied by protesters and 48 of the wounded were hit by bullets. Some security forces fired at protesters and three officers violated orders by moving forces into the sit-in, he said, adding that an order was also issued to whip protesters. Opposition medics have said 127 people were killed and 400 wounded in the dispersal, while the Health Ministry had put the death toll at 61. The sit-in outside the Defence Ministry in the capital Khartoum was a focal point for protests that led to the ouster of long-time President Omar al-Badri on April 11. "Some outlaws exploited this gathering and formed another gathering in what is known as the Columbia area, where negative and illegal practices took place," Saeed said. "It became a security threat, forcing the authorities to make necessary arrangements to clear the area," he said.

Sudan says 87 killed when security forces broke up protest in June

Sudanese demonstrators on Thursday rolled out a banner honoring fallen protesters over a square where ousted president Omar al-Bashir held a large rally in his final months in power, a symbolic move that left some in tears.

Sudan protesters take over square where Bashir held rallies

Sudanese demonstrators on Thursday (July 18) rolled out a banner honoring fallen protesters over a square where ousted president Omar al-Bashir held a large rally in his final months in power, a symbolic move that left some in tears.

Sudan protesters take over square where Bashir challenged uprising

Scores of Sudanese demonstrators <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shock-and-anger-as-videos-of-brutal-sudan-raid-belatedly-go-viral-236169">took to the streets in a Khartoum district</a> on Monday night to protest against the killing of a civilian allegedly by paramilitaries the previous day.

Riot police looked on as a crowd waved Sudanese flags and chanted revolutionary slogans in the capital's eastern district of Burri, a hotbed of protests since demonstrations first erupted in December, witnesses said.

The rally, which came hours after another protest was broken up by police in the city, was against the killing of a civilian on Sunday in the town of El-Souk in the state of Sinnar, southeast of Khartoum.

The civilian was killed in unrest when residents gathered in El-Souk to demand that members of the feared paramilitary Rapid Support Forces leave the town, according to residents and doctors close to the protest movement. The paramilitaries allegedly opened fire at the demonstrators.&nbsp;

Earlier on Monday, about 200 protesters chanting "civilian rule, civilian rule" held a separate rally at a bus station in downtown Khartoum over the El-Souk violence.&nbsp;

They were swiftly dispersed by riot police who fired tear gas, according to witnesses, who said riot police beat several protesters and loaded them into trucks, while large numbers of police were deployed in the area.

Monday's demonstrations in the capital came as protest leaders and the country's ruling military council are working out the finer details of a landmark power-sharing agreement reached between the two sides earlier this month.

But in recent days these negotiations have been postponed twice following requests from protest leaders.

They are now scheduled to take place on Tuesday.

Protests first erupted in Sudan in December in response to the government of longtime ruler Omar al-Bashir's decision to triple the price of bread.

The protests swiftly turned into a nationwide campaign against his rule of three decades which finally led to his ouster in April by the army.

Since then, a military council of generals has seized power, but a landmark agreement was reached between them and protest leaders to form a transitional ruling body that would oversee setting up a civilian administration in the northeast African country.

Scores of Sudanese demonstrators took to the streets in a Khartoum district on Monday night to protest against the killing of a civilian allegedly by paramilitaries the previous day.

Scores of Sudanese demonstrators took to the streets in a Khartoum district on Monday night to protest against the killing of a civilian allegedly by paramilitaries the previous day. Riot police looked on as a crowd waved Sudanese flags and chanted revolutionary slogans in the capital's eastern district of Burri, a hotbed of protests since demonstrations first erupted in December, witnesses said. The rally, which came hours after another protest was broken up by police in the city, was against the killing of a civilian on Sunday in the town of El-Souk in the state of Sinnar, southeast of Khartoum. The civilian was killed in unrest when residents gathered in El-Souk to demand that members of the feared paramilitary Rapid Support Forces leave the town, according to residents and doctors close to the protest movement. The paramilitaries allegedly opened fire at the demonstrators. Earlier on Monday, about 200 protesters chanting "civilian rule, civilian rule" held a separate rally at a bus station in downtown Khartoum over the El-Souk violence. They were swiftly dispersed by riot police who fired tear gas, according to witnesses, who said riot police beat several protesters and loaded them into trucks, while large numbers of police were deployed in the area. Monday's demonstrations in the capital came as protest leaders and the country's ruling military council are working out the finer details of a landmark power-sharing agreement reached between the two sides earlier this month. But in recent days these negotiations have been postponed twice following requests from protest leaders. They are now scheduled to take place on Tuesday. Protests first erupted in Sudan in December in response to the government of longtime ruler Omar al-Bashir's decision to triple the price of bread. The protests swiftly turned into a nationwide campaign against his rule of three decades which finally led to his ouster in April by the army. Since then, a military council of generals has seized power, but a landmark agreement was reached between them and protest leaders to form a transitional ruling body that would oversee setting up a civilian administration in the northeast African country.

Night protest in Sudan over civilian's death

Sudanese protesters lit candles and released balloons in Khartoum as thousands rallied across the country to mourn dozens killed last month in a brutal raid on a protest camp, AFP correspondents reported.

Crowds of protesters were violently dispersed by men in military fatigues in a pre-dawn raid on a sit-in outside army headquarters on June 3.

Saturday's commemorative rallies came as mediators said talks between generals and protest leaders to discuss the finer details of a recently agreed power-sharing accord had been postponed to Sunday, at the request of protest leaders.

They were previously scheduled for Saturday evening.

The protest movement, the Alliance for Freedom and Change, had called for marches &nbsp;-- dubbed "Justice First" -- across the country on Saturday to mark 40 days since the raid.

Demonstrators who had camped outside military headquarters for weeks demanding civilian rule were shot and beaten, triggering international outrage.

Chanting "Blood for blood, we won't accept compensations," crowds of protesters marched in Khartoum's northern district of Bahari, a protest hotbed since demonstrations first erupted in December against the then regime of now-ousted president Omar al-Bashir.

Many lit candles and some floated balloons while hundreds bathed the area in a sea of light -- holding their mobile phones aloft as torches while chanting revolutionary slogans, an AFP correspondent reported.

Hundreds also gathered on nearby open ground, chanting "civilian rule, civilian rule."&nbsp;

"We must take what is ours, we must free Sudan from its past. We want civilian rule now," said Abdelqadir Omar, an English teacher at a rally in the Al-Sahafa area of the capital.

Waving a Sudanese flag, an 11-year-old boy said, "all the mothers were crying in their homes when their children were killed".

'Justice for Martyrs'

Groups of protesters sat in circles around Sudanese flags and candles in several neighbourhoods as the sunset over Khartoum.

Earlier, security forces had closed all roads leading to the presidential palace and deployed along the road leading to the airport.

Hundreds rallied and waved Sudanese flags in Omdurman -- Khartoum's twin city -- while crowds also marched through the streets of Port Sudan, the country's main economic hub, witnesses said.

Protesters rallied in the eastern cities of Madani and Kassala and in the central city of Al-Obeid, witnesses told AFP by telephone.

Many protesters reportedly carried banners that read: "Justice for Martyrs" while others held photographs of demonstrators killed in the June 3 raid.

People also took to the streets of Atbara, where the first rally against Bashir's government was held on December 19 in response to a decision to triple bread prices.

The protests in December swiftly escalated into nationwide demonstrations against the autocrat's ironfisted three-decade rule.

Bashir was ousted by the army on April 11, five days after the protesters had first massed outside army headquarters.

Protesters continued their sit-in, demanding that the generals themselves step down, ahead of the brutal dispersal on June 3.

The military council insists it did not order the raid, which according to the protest movement killed more than 100 and wounded hundreds in just one day.&nbsp;

But after intense mediation by the African Union and Ethiopia, a landmark power-sharing deal was reached earlier this month that aims to set up a joint civilian-military governing body.

'Real partnership'

The new governing body aims to install a transitional civilian administration for a period of just over three years.

The agreement stipulates that the new governing body will be presided over by a military nominee for the first 21 months, and by a civilian for the last 18 months.

"We are not an enemy of the Alliance for Freedom and Change," General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, the deputy chief of the ruling military council, told a rally in Nile State, broadcast on state TV.

"We are in a real partnership."

Dagalo is also the commander of the feared paramilitary Rapid Support Forces which protesters and rights groups allege carried out the June 3 raid.

Sudanese protesters lit candles and released balloons in Khartoum as thousands rallied across the country to mourn dozens killed last month in a brutal raid on a protest camp, AFP correspondents reported.

Sudanese protesters lit candles and released balloons in Khartoum as thousands rallied across the country to mourn dozens killed last month in a brutal raid on a protest camp, AFP correspondents reported. Crowds of protesters were violently dispersed by men in military fatigues in a pre-dawn raid on a sit-in outside army headquarters on June 3. Saturday's commemorative rallies came as mediators said talks between generals and protest leaders to discuss the finer details of a recently agreed power-sharing accord had been postponed to Sunday, at the request of protest leaders. They were previously scheduled for Saturday evening. The protest movement, the Alliance for Freedom and Change, had called for marches -- dubbed "Justice First" -- across the country on Saturday to mark 40 days since the raid. Demonstrators who had camped outside military headquarters for weeks demanding civilian rule were shot and beaten, triggering international outrage. Chanting "Blood for blood, we won't accept compensations," crowds of protesters marched in Khartoum's northern district of Bahari, a protest hotbed since demonstrations first erupted in December against the then regime of now-ousted president Omar al-Bashir. Many lit candles and some floated balloons while hundreds bathed the area in a sea of light -- holding their mobile phones aloft as torches while chanting revolutionary slogans, an AFP correspondent reported. Hundreds also gathered on nearby open ground, chanting "civilian rule, civilian rule." "We must take what is ours, we must free Sudan from its past. We want civilian rule now," said Abdelqadir Omar, an English teacher at a rally in the Al-Sahafa area of the capital. Waving a Sudanese flag, an 11-year-old boy said, "all the mothers were crying in their homes when their children were killed". 'Justice for Martyrs' Groups of protesters sat in circles around Sudanese flags and candles in several neighbourhoods as the sunset over Khartoum. Earlier, security forces had closed all roads leading to the presidential palace and deployed along the road leading to the airport. Hundreds rallied and waved Sudanese flags in Omdurman -- Khartoum's twin city -- while crowds also marched through the streets of Port Sudan, the country's main economic hub, witnesses said. Protesters rallied in the eastern cities of Madani and Kassala and in the central city of Al-Obeid, witnesses told AFP by telephone. Many protesters reportedly carried banners that read: "Justice for Martyrs" while others held photographs of demonstrators killed in the June 3 raid. People also took to the streets of Atbara, where the first rally against Bashir's government was held on December 19 in response to a decision to triple bread prices. The protests in December swiftly escalated into nationwide demonstrations against the autocrat's ironfisted three-decade rule. Bashir was ousted by the army on April 11, five days after the protesters had first massed outside army headquarters. Protesters continued their sit-in, demanding that the generals themselves step down, ahead of the brutal dispersal on June 3. The military council insists it did not order the raid, which according to the protest movement killed more than 100 and wounded hundreds in just one day. But after intense mediation by the African Union and Ethiopia, a landmark power-sharing deal was reached earlier this month that aims to set up a joint civilian-military governing body. 'Real partnership' The new governing body aims to install a transitional civilian administration for a period of just over three years. The agreement stipulates that the new governing body will be presided over by a military nominee for the first 21 months, and by a civilian for the last 18 months. "We are not an enemy of the Alliance for Freedom and Change," General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, the deputy chief of the ruling military council, told a rally in Nile State, broadcast on state TV. "We are in a real partnership." Dagalo is also the commander of the feared paramilitary Rapid Support Forces which protesters and rights groups allege carried out the June 3 raid.

Thousands mourn protesters killed in Sudan raid

Sudan's ruling military council has foiled a coup attempt, a top general announced on state television Thursday, saying that 12 officers and four soldiers had been arrested.

The announcement came as the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudan-deal-first-step-to-transition-but-challenges-lie-ahead-233685">ruling military and civilian protesters agreed last week</a> to end a political impasse after the army in April ousted longtime ruler Omar al-Bashir on the back of a popular uprising.

"Officers and soldiers from the army and National Intelligence and Security Service, some of them retired, were trying to carry out a coup," General Jamal Omar of the ruling military council said in a statement broadcast live on state television.

"The regular forces were able to foil the attempt," he said but did not say when the attempt was made.

Omar said of the 12 officers arrested, five of them were retired, and that security forces were looking for the mastermind of the attempted coup.

"This is an attempt to block the agreement which has been reached by the Transitional Military Council and the Alliance for Freedom and Change that aims to open the road for Sudanese people to achieve their demands," Omar said.

The announcement late Thursday came as legal advisors of the ruling military council and protest leaders were going through the details of the agreement at a luxury hotel in Khartoum.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-welcomes-sudan-power-sharing-deal-as-important-step-forward-233635">landmark agreement</a> that aims to form a new joint transitional civilian-military ruling body was reached last week after mediation by African Union and Ethiopian envoys.

The forming of the new governing body is the first step towards installing an overall transitional civilian administration in Sudan as demanded by demonstrators.

Sudan has been rocked by a political crisis since protests first erupted against Bashir's rule in December.

The protests finally led to the army ousting him on April 11, but the generals who seized power have so far resisted demonstrators' demands to hand it over to a civilian administration.

Tension had further soared between the two sides after a brutal raid on a longstanding protest camp outside army headquarters in the capital Khartoum that killed dozens of demonstrators and wounded hundreds on June 3.

The raid came after talks between the generals and protest leaders collapsed in May over who should lead the new governing body -- a civilian or soldier.

Intense meditation by African Union and Ethiopian mediators finally led to the agreement reached on the new joint governing body on July 5.

The agreement proposes a little more than a three-year transition period, with the president of the new ruling body to be held by the military for the first 21 months and a civilian for the remaining 18 months.

The ruling body would comprise of six civilians, including five from the protest movement, and five of the military.

Sudan's ruling military council has foiled a coup attempt, a top general announced on state television Thursday, saying that 12 officers and four soldiers had been arrested.

Sudan's ruling military council has foiled a coup attempt, a top general announced on state television Thursday, saying that 12 officers and four soldiers had been arrested. The announcement came as the ruling military and civilian protesters agreed last week to end a political impasse after the army in April ousted longtime ruler Omar al-Bashir on the back of a popular uprising. "Officers and soldiers from the army and National Intelligence and Security Service, some of them retired, were trying to carry out a coup," General Jamal Omar of the ruling military council said in a statement broadcast live on state television. "The regular forces were able to foil the attempt," he said but did not say when the attempt was made. Omar said of the 12 officers arrested, five of them were retired, and that security forces were looking for the mastermind of the attempted coup. "This is an attempt to block the agreement which has been reached by the Transitional Military Council and the Alliance for Freedom and Change that aims to open the road for Sudanese people to achieve their demands," Omar said. The announcement late Thursday came as legal advisors of the ruling military council and protest leaders were going through the details of the agreement at a luxury hotel in Khartoum. The landmark agreement that aims to form a new joint transitional civilian-military ruling body was reached last week after mediation by African Union and Ethiopian envoys. The forming of the new governing body is the first step towards installing an overall transitional civilian administration in Sudan as demanded by demonstrators. Sudan has been rocked by a political crisis since protests first erupted against Bashir's rule in December. The protests finally led to the army ousting him on April 11, but the generals who seized power have so far resisted demonstrators' demands to hand it over to a civilian administration. Tension had further soared between the two sides after a brutal raid on a longstanding protest camp outside army headquarters in the capital Khartoum that killed dozens of demonstrators and wounded hundreds on June 3. The raid came after talks between the generals and protest leaders collapsed in May over who should lead the new governing body -- a civilian or soldier. Intense meditation by African Union and Ethiopian mediators finally led to the agreement reached on the new joint governing body on July 5. The agreement proposes a little more than a three-year transition period, with the president of the new ruling body to be held by the military for the first 21 months and a civilian for the remaining 18 months. The ruling body would comprise of six civilians, including five from the protest movement, and five of the military.

Sudan general says coup attempt foiled; 12 officers, four soldiers arrested

Mobile internet services were restored across Sudan Tuesday following a court order, weeks after the ruling generals imposed a blockade in the wake of a brutal crackdown on protesters.

Demonstrators were violently dispersed on June 3 by men in military fatigues, who stormed a weeks-long protest camp outside army headquarters in Khartoum where Sudanese had camped to demand that the generals step down.

Armed men, shooting and beating protesters in a pre-dawn raid, killed dozens of demonstrators and wounded hundreds.

Days later internet on mobile phones and fixed land connections were cut across Sudan, with users saying it was done to prevent further mobilisation of protesters.

Khartoum-based lawyer Abdelazim al-Hassan filed a case against the blockade, urging a court in the capital to order telecom company Zain to restore the internet services on his own mobile phone.

Days later the internet on fixed land connections was restored, but the mobile 3G and 4G services remained cut.

"I returned to court and said that numerous clients of Zain and other telecom companies were impacted due to the cut," Hasan told a news conference on Tuesday.

"Today, the court issued an order to Zain and to MTN and Sudani to restore their mobile internet services," referring to three telecom companies.

Later on Tuesday, the internet services on MTN and Sudani networks were restored, but not on Zain, users said.

Several subscribers of MTN and Sudani contacted by AFP confirmed they were able to make voice and video calls through social media networks like the WhatsApp messaging platform.

Protesters and rights group say the internet blockade was an attempt to quell protests against the generals, who had seized power after the army ousted long-time ruler Omar al-Bashir in April following nationwide protests against his rule.

For the generals, the internet and social media had become a threat as protesters used online social media apps to mobilise tens of thousands of demonstrators.

The generals and protesters last week reached a deal to form a joint civilian-military ruling body, which would install a new government and parliament for a transitional period of little over three years.

The agreement between the two sides is expected to be formally signed in the next few days.

Mobile internet services were restored across Sudan Tuesday following a court order, weeks after the ruling generals imposed a blockade in the wake of a brutal crackdown on protesters.

Mobile internet services were restored across Sudan Tuesday following a court order, weeks after the ruling generals imposed a blockade in the wake of a brutal crackdown on protesters. Demonstrators were violently dispersed on June 3 by men in military fatigues, who stormed a weeks-long protest camp outside army headquarters in Khartoum where Sudanese had camped to demand that the generals step down. Armed men, shooting and beating protesters in a pre-dawn raid, killed dozens of demonstrators and wounded hundreds. Days later internet on mobile phones and fixed land connections were cut across Sudan, with users saying it was done to prevent further mobilisation of protesters. Khartoum-based lawyer Abdelazim al-Hassan filed a case against the blockade, urging a court in the capital to order telecom company Zain to restore the internet services on his own mobile phone. Days later the internet on fixed land connections was restored, but the mobile 3G and 4G services remained cut. "I returned to court and said that numerous clients of Zain and other telecom companies were impacted due to the cut," Hasan told a news conference on Tuesday. "Today, the court issued an order to Zain and to MTN and Sudani to restore their mobile internet services," referring to three telecom companies. Later on Tuesday, the internet services on MTN and Sudani networks were restored, but not on Zain, users said. Several subscribers of MTN and Sudani contacted by AFP confirmed they were able to make voice and video calls through social media networks like the WhatsApp messaging platform. Protesters and rights group say the internet blockade was an attempt to quell protests against the generals, who had seized power after the army ousted long-time ruler Omar al-Bashir in April following nationwide protests against his rule. For the generals, the internet and social media had become a threat as protesters used online social media apps to mobilise tens of thousands of demonstrators. The generals and protesters last week reached a deal to form a joint civilian-military ruling body, which would install a new government and parliament for a transitional period of little over three years. The agreement between the two sides is expected to be formally signed in the next few days.

Internet on mobile services restored in Sudan

After months of political uncertainty, Sudan has taken its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-welcomes-sudan-power-sharing-deal-as-important-step-forward-233635">first step towards a democratic transition</a>, but getting the ruling generals to deliver on a power-sharing accord with protesters remains a challenge.

"The only path forward is a negotiated deal between the two sides," said Alan Boswell, senior analyst at the International Crisis Group think tank.

Sudan's ruling <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudan-military-council-opposition-reach-power-sharing-agreement-233296">military council and protest leaders reached the tentative deal</a> in the early hours of Friday, agreeing to form a joint civilian-military governing body.

That body is to oversee the formation of a transitional civilian administration that will govern for three years -- the main demand of demonstrators.

The two agreed the ruling body would have a rotating presidency, a breakthrough following months of political impasse after the army in April ousted longtime ruler Omar al-Bashir on the back of a popular uprising.

Tensions climaxed on June 3 when armed men in military fatigues stormed a longstanding protest camp in Khartoum, shooting and beating crowds of demonstrators in a pre-dawn raid.

Dozens were killed, triggering international outrage, although the generals insisted they did not order the violent dispersal of protesters.

The power-sharing deal comes after intense mediation by Ethiopia and African Union diplomats.

"Any agreement is a positive step. The challenge will be actually getting the military council to do as it promised," Boswell told AFP.

On Saturday, the head of that council General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan vowed to "implement" the deal and to work "in close cooperation" with the protest leaders.

The governing body will have a total of six civilians and five military representatives. The six civilians will include five from the umbrella protest movement, the Alliance for Freedom and Change.

A general will head the ruling body during the first 21 months of the transition, followed by a civilian for the remaining 18 months, according to the framework agreement.

'Giant red flag '

Against the backdrop of the June 3 raid, experts doubt whether the military will keep its part of the deal.

"The key question is whether the military or the security sector more widely will cooperate fully with civilian members of the board or is cooperation mere window dressing," said Andreas Krieg, assistant professor at King's College London.

"It is the security sector's intent to accept civilian control that will determine whether Sudan can move to a fully civilian rule in the future."

Bashir, who came to power in an Islamist-backed coup in 1989, ruled Sudan with an iron fist thanks to the security apparatus, especially the feared National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) -- accused by rights groups of trampling human rights and freedoms.

Experts say the power-sharing accord is far from a long-term solution to the country's overall political crisis.

One potential dispute is over the eventual formation of a transitional parliament.

Friday's agreement postponed the creation of a 300-seat transitional legislature -- 67 per cent of which would be lawmakers from the protest movement -- that had already been agreed in previous talks.

"Failing to agree yet on the legislative body is a giant red flag. This risks becoming the new impasse," said Boswell.

"Even in a best case scenario, Sudan will be navigating a very challenging transition for years to come."

'Huge responsibility'

Boswell said the protest movement "will almost certainly need to continue mobilising its street power to pressure the military council to uphold its commitments".

Prominent protest leader Babikir Faisal said that while the deal may not be a cure-all, an agreement with the generals was needed.

"Given the overall tension, agreeing on a sovereign council and a government is a step forward," he told AFP.

"The other choice would have been to take the path of confrontation."

The protest alliance says it is now in charge of appointing the new prime minister and a transitional government of technocrats.

Faisal said the first priority of the new administration will be to offer a "relief programme" aimed at tackling Sudan's economic crisis.

"The economic situation is very difficult," he said.

"This is one of the major challenges. This revolution was also triggered by the crisis of bread."

Protests first broke out after the government tripled the price of bread, but they swiftly escalated into nationwide rallies against Bashir's rule, culminating in his ouster on April 11.&nbsp;

And while addressing economic concerns will be key, it will be just one of many challenges facing the protest leaders in their new role, said Khalid Tijani, editor of Sudan's economic weekly Elaf.

"The government will be formed by the alliance, which means revolutionaries," Tijani said.

"They have taken on a huge burden of responsibility, because any failure will be blamed on them ultimately."

After months of political uncertainty, Sudan has taken its first step towards a democratic transition, but getting the ruling generals to deliver on a power-sharing accord with protesters remains a challenge.

After months of political uncertainty, Sudan has taken its first step towards a democratic transition, but getting the ruling generals to deliver on a power-sharing accord with protesters remains a challenge. "The only path forward is a negotiated deal between the two sides," said Alan Boswell, senior analyst at the International Crisis Group think tank. Sudan's ruling military council and protest leaders reached the tentative deal in the early hours of Friday, agreeing to form a joint civilian-military governing body. That body is to oversee the formation of a transitional civilian administration that will govern for three years -- the main demand of demonstrators. The two agreed the ruling body would have a rotating presidency, a breakthrough following months of political impasse after the army in April ousted longtime ruler Omar al-Bashir on the back of a popular uprising. Tensions climaxed on June 3 when armed men in military fatigues stormed a longstanding protest camp in Khartoum, shooting and beating crowds of demonstrators in a pre-dawn raid. Dozens were killed, triggering international outrage, although the generals insisted they did not order the violent dispersal of protesters. The power-sharing deal comes after intense mediation by Ethiopia and African Union diplomats. "Any agreement is a positive step. The challenge will be actually getting the military council to do as it promised," Boswell told AFP. On Saturday, the head of that council General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan vowed to "implement" the deal and to work "in close cooperation" with the protest leaders. The governing body will have a total of six civilians and five military representatives. The six civilians will include five from the umbrella protest movement, the Alliance for Freedom and Change. A general will head the ruling body during the first 21 months of the transition, followed by a civilian for the remaining 18 months, according to the framework agreement. 'Giant red flag ' Against the backdrop of the June 3 raid, experts doubt whether the military will keep its part of the deal. "The key question is whether the military or the security sector more widely will cooperate fully with civilian members of the board or is cooperation mere window dressing," said Andreas Krieg, assistant professor at King's College London. "It is the security sector's intent to accept civilian control that will determine whether Sudan can move to a fully civilian rule in the future." Bashir, who came to power in an Islamist-backed coup in 1989, ruled Sudan with an iron fist thanks to the security apparatus, especially the feared National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) -- accused by rights groups of trampling human rights and freedoms. Experts say the power-sharing accord is far from a long-term solution to the country's overall political crisis. One potential dispute is over the eventual formation of a transitional parliament. Friday's agreement postponed the creation of a 300-seat transitional legislature -- 67 per cent of which would be lawmakers from the protest movement -- that had already been agreed in previous talks. "Failing to agree yet on the legislative body is a giant red flag. This risks becoming the new impasse," said Boswell. "Even in a best case scenario, Sudan will be navigating a very challenging transition for years to come." 'Huge responsibility' Boswell said the protest movement "will almost certainly need to continue mobilising its street power to pressure the military council to uphold its commitments". Prominent protest leader Babikir Faisal said that while the deal may not be a cure-all, an agreement with the generals was needed. "Given the overall tension, agreeing on a sovereign council and a government is a step forward," he told AFP. "The other choice would have been to take the path of confrontation." The protest alliance says it is now in charge of appointing the new prime minister and a transitional government of technocrats. Faisal said the first priority of the new administration will be to offer a "relief programme" aimed at tackling Sudan's economic crisis. "The economic situation is very difficult," he said. "This is one of the major challenges. This revolution was also triggered by the crisis of bread." Protests first broke out after the government tripled the price of bread, but they swiftly escalated into nationwide rallies against Bashir's rule, culminating in his ouster on April 11. And while addressing economic concerns will be key, it will be just one of many challenges facing the protest leaders in their new role, said Khalid Tijani, editor of Sudan's economic weekly Elaf. "The government will be formed by the alliance, which means revolutionaries," Tijani said. "They have taken on a huge burden of responsibility, because any failure will be blamed on them ultimately."

Sudan deal first step to transition but challenges lie ahead

The United States on Saturday welcomed a provisional agreement forged by Sudan's ruling military council and a coalition of opposition and protest groups to share power for three years as an "important step forward."

The US State Department said in statement that special envoy for Sudan Donald Booth will return to the region soon.

The agreement brokered by the African Union and Ethiopia Union, announced on Friday, is due to be finalized on Monday.

"The agreement between the Forces for Freedom and Change and the Transitional Military Council to establish a sovereign council is an important step forward," the State Department said. "We look forward to immediate resumption of access to the internet, establishment of the new legislature, accountability for the violent suppression of peaceful protests, and progress toward free and fair elections."

The deal revived hopes for a peaceful transition of power in a country plagued by internal conflicts and years of economic crisis that helped to trigger the overthrow of Omar al-Bashir in April.

Relations between the military council that took over from Bashir and the Forces for Freedom and Change alliance broke down when security forces killed dozens of people as they cleared a sit-in on June 3. But after huge protests against the military on Sunday, African mediators brokered a return to direct talks.

The United States on Saturday welcomed a provisional agreement forged by Sudan's ruling military council and a coalition of opposition and protest groups to share power for three years as an "important step forward.

The United States on Saturday welcomed a provisional agreement forged by Sudan's ruling military council and a coalition of opposition and protest groups to share power for three years as an "important step forward." The US State Department said in statement that special envoy for Sudan Donald Booth will return to the region soon. The agreement brokered by the African Union and Ethiopia Union, announced on Friday, is due to be finalized on Monday. "The agreement between the Forces for Freedom and Change and the Transitional Military Council to establish a sovereign council is an important step forward," the State Department said. "We look forward to immediate resumption of access to the internet, establishment of the new legislature, accountability for the violent suppression of peaceful protests, and progress toward free and fair elections." The deal revived hopes for a peaceful transition of power in a country plagued by internal conflicts and years of economic crisis that helped to trigger the overthrow of Omar al-Bashir in April. Relations between the military council that took over from Bashir and the Forces for Freedom and Change alliance broke down when security forces killed dozens of people as they cleared a sit-in on June 3. But after huge protests against the military on Sunday, African mediators brokered a return to direct talks.

US welcomes Sudan power-sharing deal as 'important step forward'

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/sudan-opposition-says-to-nominate-members-for-transitional-council-226186&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiJ9LDR153jAhUp6nMBHT5XAPAQFjACegQIAxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3WkVWIx3iGqomn6oq3OrqN">Sudan's </a>ruling military council and a coalition of opposition and protest groups reached an agreement to share power during a transition period leading to elections, setting off street celebrations by thousands of people.

The two sides, which have held talks in Khartoum for the past two days, agreed to "establish a sovereign council by rotation between the military and civilians for a period of three years or slightly more," African Union mediator Mohamed Hassan Lebatt said at a news conference.

They also agreed to form an independent technocratic government and to launch a transparent, independent investigation into violent events in recent weeks.

The two sides agreed to postpone the establishment of a legislative council.

They had previously agreed that the Forces for Freedom and Change (FFC) coalition would take two-thirds of a legislative council's seats before security forces crushed a sit-in protest on June 3, killing dozens, and talks collapsed

The streets of Omdurman, Khartoum's twin city across the Nile River, erupted in celebration when the news broke, a Reuters witness said.

Thousands of people of all ages took to the streets, chanting "Civilian! Civilian! Civilian!"

Young men banged drums, people honked their car horns, and women carrying <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/opinions/how-sudans-economic-crisis-had-a-role-in-protests-that-toppled-al-bashir-216685&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiJ9LDR153jAhUp6nMBHT5XAPAQFjADegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw05gUOWYTrSRhwJ7Rplc-7r">Sudanese </a>flags ululated in jubilation.

"This agreement opens the way for the formation of the institutions of the transitional authority, and we hope that this is the beginning of a new era," said Omar al-Degair, a leader of the FFC.

"We would like to reassure all political forces, armed movements and all those who participated in the change from young men and women … that this agreement will be comprehensive and will not exclude anyone," said General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, deputy head of the Transitional Military Council.

"We thank the African and <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/ethiopia-attempts-to-mediate-sudan-crisis-after-bloodshed-225425&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiJ9LDR153jAhUp6nMBHT5XAPAQFjAEegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2RuY0J5r0DtAroPuA9cP7h">Ethiopian </a>mediators for their efforts and patience. We also thank our brothers in the Forces for Freedom and Change for the good spirit," said Dagalo, who heads the Rapid Support Forces accused by the FFC of crushing the sit-in.

Opposition medics say more than 100 people were killed in the dispersal and subsequent violence. The government put the death toll at 62.

Sudan's ruling military council and a coalition of opposition and protest groups reached an agreement to share power during a transition period leading to elections, setting off street celebrations by thousands of people.

Sudan's ruling military council and a coalition of opposition and protest groups reached an agreement to share power during a transition period leading to elections, setting off street celebrations by thousands of people. The two sides, which have held talks in Khartoum for the past two days, agreed to "establish a sovereign council by rotation between the military and civilians for a period of three years or slightly more," African Union mediator Mohamed Hassan Lebatt said at a news conference. They also agreed to form an independent technocratic government and to launch a transparent, independent investigation into violent events in recent weeks. The two sides agreed to postpone the establishment of a legislative council. They had previously agreed that the Forces for Freedom and Change (FFC) coalition would take two-thirds of a legislative council's seats before security forces crushed a sit-in protest on June 3, killing dozens, and talks collapsed The streets of Omdurman, Khartoum's twin city across the Nile River, erupted in celebration when the news broke, a Reuters witness said. Thousands of people of all ages took to the streets, chanting "Civilian! Civilian! Civilian!" Young men banged drums, people honked their car horns, and women carrying Sudanese flags ululated in jubilation. "This agreement opens the way for the formation of the institutions of the transitional authority, and we hope that this is the beginning of a new era," said Omar al-Degair, a leader of the FFC. "We would like to reassure all political forces, armed movements and all those who participated in the change from young men and women … that this agreement will be comprehensive and will not exclude anyone," said General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, deputy head of the Transitional Military Council. "We thank the African and Ethiopian mediators for their efforts and patience. We also thank our brothers in the Forces for Freedom and Change for the good spirit," said Dagalo, who heads the Rapid Support Forces accused by the FFC of crushing the sit-in. Opposition medics say more than 100 people were killed in the dispersal and subsequent violence. The government put the death toll at 62.

Sudan military council, opposition reach power-sharing agreement

Around seven people were killed on Sunday as tens of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tens-of-thousands-protest-to-demand-civilian-rule-in-sudan-231807">thousands of people took to the streets in Khartoum</a> demanding the ruling military hand over to civilians.

The local media quoting a health ministry official said that ''seven were killed in the protests'' but they didn't mention how they died or their identification.

Another 181 people were also injured, including 27 with bullets, the local media further added.

Several protesters waved the Sudanese flag and chanted "civilian, civilian" and "blood for blood" in several parts of the capital.

The security forces fired tear gas on protestors in the northern Khartoum district of Bahri and in Mamura and Arkweit, in the capital's east.

Watch:&nbsp;Military to blame civilians for clashes

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sudan-crisis-military-to-blame-civilians-for-clashes-231624/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Sudan’s military rulers overthrew president Omar al-Bashir on April 11 after months of demonstrations against his rule.

The citizens since then have been demanding civilian rule.

"We're fed up with the military. For decades this country has been ruled by the military. It didn't work and it will not work," said protester Nada Adel, 28.&nbsp;

Around seven people were killed on Sunday as tens of thousands of people took to the streets in Khartoum demanding the ruling military hand over to civilians. The local media quoting a health ministry official said that ''seven were killed in the protests'' but they didn't mention how they died or their identification.

Around seven people were killed on Sunday as tens of thousands of people took to the streets in Khartoum demanding the ruling military hand over to civilians. The local media quoting a health ministry official said that ''seven were killed in the protests'' but they didn't mention how they died or their identification. Another 181 people were also injured, including 27 with bullets, the local media further added. Several protesters waved the Sudanese flag and chanted "civilian, civilian" and "blood for blood" in several parts of the capital. The security forces fired tear gas on protestors in the northern Khartoum district of Bahri and in Mamura and Arkweit, in the capital's east. Watch: Military to blame civilians for clashes Sudan’s military rulers overthrew president Omar al-Bashir on April 11 after months of demonstrations against his rule. The citizens since then have been demanding civilian rule. "We're fed up with the military. For decades this country has been ruled by the military. It didn't work and it will not work," said protester Nada Adel, 28.

At least seven dead in Sudan's massive protest over civilian rule

Sudanese security forces raided the head office of a leading opposition group on Saturday, a day before <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tens-of-thousands-protest-to-demand-civilian-rule-in-sudan-231807">huge protests</a> that are planned to demand a transition to civilian rule, witnesses and a spokesman for the group said.

Sudan`s ruling military council and the opposition movement have been wrangling for weeks over how to manage a transition to elections since the military ousted long-time president Omar al-Bashir on April 11.

Security forces raided the Sudanese Professionals` Association (SPA) office, where the group had been due to hold a news conference.

"This represents a violation of liberties that is even worse than the regime of the former president (Bashir)," Ahmed al-Rabie, an SPA spokesman, told Reuters. "This is a bad sign for the atmosphere of mediation between the two parties."

The military council did not immediately comment. The SPA made no mention of arrests.

The news conference was planned ahead of protests called on Sunday by an opposition coalition, the Forces of Freedom and Change (FFC), that the SPA is a part of. The opposition are hoping as many as a million people will join the protests, which they want to use to press the military council to hand power over to civilians.

The coalition said the protests would go ahead as planned on Sunday.

Earlier on Saturday, the military council said FFC would bear the responsibility for any loss of life or damage resulting from the planned protests.

"We ... hold the Forces for Freedom and Change fully responsible for any spirit that is lost in this march, or any damage or harm to citizens or state institutions," the council said in a statement carried by state news agency SUNA.

The deputy head of the Transitional Military Council (TMC), General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, warned of "vandals" and a "concealed agenda" that he suggested might seek to take advantage of the protests.

Direct talks between the council and the FFC stalled and then collapsed altogether when security forces stormed a protest sit-in in central Khartoum on June 3, killing dozens.

The sit-in had become the focal point of protests against Bashir and the military council.

Mediators led by the African Union (AU) and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed have since been trying to broker a return to direct talks between the two sides.

On Friday, the military council said a proposal submitted by the AU and Ethiopia received on June 27 was suitable for the resumption of talks with the opposition.

The opposition had supported an earlier Ethiopian proposal before the military council said the AU and Ethiopian efforts needed to be merged.

Separately on Saturday, the SPA said the head of a teachers` committee and a leading member of the FFC had been detained.

The military council did not immediately comment.

"We urge the international community to demand their immediate release. This move by the TMC is highly detrimental to confidence building at this crucial time," said the SPA, which is part of the FFC and spearheaded the anti-Bashir protests.

The European Union on Friday said the Sudanese people`s right to protest and express their views "is key" and supported the AU-Ethiopian mediation efforts.

Sudanese security forces raided the head office of a leading opposition group on Saturday, a day before huge protests that are planned to demand a transition to civilian rule, witnesses and a spokesman for the group said.

Sudanese security forces raided the head office of a leading opposition group on Saturday, a day before huge protests that are planned to demand a transition to civilian rule, witnesses and a spokesman for the group said. Sudan`s ruling military council and the opposition movement have been wrangling for weeks over how to manage a transition to elections since the military ousted long-time president Omar al-Bashir on April 11. Security forces raided the Sudanese Professionals` Association (SPA) office, where the group had been due to hold a news conference. "This represents a violation of liberties that is even worse than the regime of the former president (Bashir)," Ahmed al-Rabie, an SPA spokesman, told Reuters. "This is a bad sign for the atmosphere of mediation between the two parties." The military council did not immediately comment. The SPA made no mention of arrests. The news conference was planned ahead of protests called on Sunday by an opposition coalition, the Forces of Freedom and Change (FFC), that the SPA is a part of. The opposition are hoping as many as a million people will join the protests, which they want to use to press the military council to hand power over to civilians. The coalition said the protests would go ahead as planned on Sunday. Earlier on Saturday, the military council said FFC would bear the responsibility for any loss of life or damage resulting from the planned protests. "We ... hold the Forces for Freedom and Change fully responsible for any spirit that is lost in this march, or any damage or harm to citizens or state institutions," the council said in a statement carried by state news agency SUNA. The deputy head of the Transitional Military Council (TMC), General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, warned of "vandals" and a "concealed agenda" that he suggested might seek to take advantage of the protests. Direct talks between the council and the FFC stalled and then collapsed altogether when security forces stormed a protest sit-in in central Khartoum on June 3, killing dozens. The sit-in had become the focal point of protests against Bashir and the military council. Mediators led by the African Union (AU) and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed have since been trying to broker a return to direct talks between the two sides. On Friday, the military council said a proposal submitted by the AU and Ethiopia received on June 27 was suitable for the resumption of talks with the opposition. The opposition had supported an earlier Ethiopian proposal before the military council said the AU and Ethiopian efforts needed to be merged. Separately on Saturday, the SPA said the head of a teachers` committee and a leading member of the FFC had been detained. The military council did not immediately comment. "We urge the international community to demand their immediate release. This move by the TMC is highly detrimental to confidence building at this crucial time," said the SPA, which is part of the FFC and spearheaded the anti-Bashir protests. The European Union on Friday said the Sudanese people`s right to protest and express their views "is key" and supported the AU-Ethiopian mediation efforts.

Sudan security forces raid opposition group office ahead of protest

Tens of thousands of people took to the streets in Khartoum on Sunday demanding the ruling military hand over to civilians, in the largest demonstrations since a deadly security service raid on a protest camp three weeks ago.

Protesters waved the Sudanese flag and chanted "civilian, civilian" and "blood for blood" in several parts of the capital as security forces looked on. Opposition groups posted videos of what they said were rallies in other cities.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/how-sudans-economic-crisis-had-a-role-in-protests-that-toppled-al-bashir-216685">Sudan</a>’s military rulers overthrew president Omar al-Bashir on April 11 after months of demonstrations against his rule.

Opposition groups kept up their streets protests as they pressed the military hand over to civilians.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/russia-joins-gulf-states-in-coaching-sudans-military-227032">Russia joins Gulf states in coaching Sudan military</a>

Talks broke down and protests paused after security services raided a sit-in protest outside the defence ministry on June 3. But there has been a run of smaller demonstrations in recent days, and the Forces for Freedom and Change (FFC) opposition coalition called for a million people to turn out on Sunday.

There was no immediate comment from the ruling military council which had warned a day earlier that the coalition would bear the responsibility for any loss of life or damage resulting from the rallies.

Members of one of the main opposition groups - the Sudanese Professionals' Association - said security services raided its headquarters on Saturday night as it was about to give a news conference.

The United Nations has said it has received reports that more than 100 protesters were killed and many more injured at the sit-in protest on June 3.

Military leaders have denied ordering a raid on the camp and said a crackdown on criminals nearby had spilled over to the sit-in. The council has said some officers had been detained for presumed responsibility and it still intends to hand over power after elections.

Mediators led by the African Union and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed have since been trying to broker a return to direct talks.

Tens of thousands of people took to the streets in Khartoum on Sunday demanding the ruling military hand over to civilians, in the largest demonstrations since a deadly security service raid on a protest camp three weeks ago.

Tens of thousands of people took to the streets in Khartoum on Sunday demanding the ruling military hand over to civilians, in the largest demonstrations since a deadly security service raid on a protest camp three weeks ago. Protesters waved the Sudanese flag and chanted "civilian, civilian" and "blood for blood" in several parts of the capital as security forces looked on. Opposition groups posted videos of what they said were rallies in other cities. Sudan’s military rulers overthrew president Omar al-Bashir on April 11 after months of demonstrations against his rule. Opposition groups kept up their streets protests as they pressed the military hand over to civilians. Also read: Russia joins Gulf states in coaching Sudan military Talks broke down and protests paused after security services raided a sit-in protest outside the defence ministry on June 3. But there has been a run of smaller demonstrations in recent days, and the Forces for Freedom and Change (FFC) opposition coalition called for a million people to turn out on Sunday. There was no immediate comment from the ruling military council which had warned a day earlier that the coalition would bear the responsibility for any loss of life or damage resulting from the rallies. Members of one of the main opposition groups - the Sudanese Professionals' Association - said security services raided its headquarters on Saturday night as it was about to give a news conference. The United Nations has said it has received reports that more than 100 protesters were killed and many more injured at the sit-in protest on June 3. Military leaders have denied ordering a raid on the camp and said a crackdown on criminals nearby had spilled over to the sit-in. The council has said some officers had been detained for presumed responsibility and it still intends to hand over power after elections. Mediators led by the African Union and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed have since been trying to broker a return to direct talks.

Tens of thousands protest to demand civilian rule in Sudan

A Sudanese court ordered telecoms operator Zain Sudan on Sunday to restore internet services, a lawyer said, after they were severed nearly three weeks ago when security forces dispersed protesters camping in central Khartoum.

Sudan's military rulers ordered the internet blackout as a security measure but it is harming the economy and humanitarian operations in the African nation of 40 million. The protesters are demanding the military hand power to a civilian authority.

Abdel-Adheem Hassan, a lawyer who filed his own case against Zain Sudan over the blackout, told Reuters the Khartoum District Court had ordered Zain to "immediately restore internet services to the country".

Sudanese courts do not confirm or deny their rulings to the media.

Zain Sudan, a subsidiary of Zain Kuwait and the largest operator in Sudan, was not immediately able to comment on the matter on Sunday. Hassan said a Zain representative had told the court in response to the petition that the company had been ordered verbally by "high authorities" to cut the internet.

A source at Zain told Reuters that the‮‮‮ ‬‬‬telecoms regulator had ordered the internet outage and demanded that they be added as a party to the case in an appeal.

Sudanese officials could not be reached for comment and it was unclear what impact Sunday's court order would have.

Authorities also restricted access to popular social media sites during 16 weeks of protests against veteran leader Omar al-Bashir earlier this year. Bashir was finally ousted on April 11.

"Severe restrictions"

The current blackout, which began on June 3, has resulted in a "near-total loss of access" for mobile and fixed line connections for most ordinary users, though connectivity had improved from 2% to 10% of normal levels by last Thursday, said Alp Toker of NetBlocks, a digital rights NGO.

"Data indicate that Sudan's current internet restrictions remain more severe than those observed during the rule of Omar al-Bashir, including those applied in the final days of the regime," Toker said in an email.

The blackout has hampered the speed and effectiveness of humanitarian operations, said Rick Brennan, regional emergencies director at the World Health Organization (WHO).

Protesters have been demanding that authorities restore internet services as one of their conditions for returning to talks on forming a transitional administration comprising both civilians and military officers.

General Salah Abdel-Khaleq, a member of Sudan's Transitional Military Council, told the BBC Arabic service in an interview this month that internet services would be restored once those talks resumed.

The talks were suspended after security forces stormed the protest camp outside the Defence Ministry in central Khartoum on June 3. Protesters put the number of dead from that raid and ensuing violence at 128, and the health ministry at 61.

The protesters responded to the break-up of the sit-in by declaring a state of civil disobedience, instructing supporters in various sectors of the economy to stay away from work in a move that has partially paralysed Sudan.

A Sudanese court ordered telecoms operator Zain Sudan on Sunday to restore internet services, a lawyer said, after they were severed nearly three weeks ago when security forces dispersed protesters camping in central Khartoum.

A Sudanese court ordered telecoms operator Zain Sudan on Sunday to restore internet services, a lawyer said, after they were severed nearly three weeks ago when security forces dispersed protesters camping in central Khartoum. Sudan's military rulers ordered the internet blackout as a security measure but it is harming the economy and humanitarian operations in the African nation of 40 million. The protesters are demanding the military hand power to a civilian authority. Abdel-Adheem Hassan, a lawyer who filed his own case against Zain Sudan over the blackout, told Reuters the Khartoum District Court had ordered Zain to "immediately restore internet services to the country". Sudanese courts do not confirm or deny their rulings to the media. Zain Sudan, a subsidiary of Zain Kuwait and the largest operator in Sudan, was not immediately able to comment on the matter on Sunday. Hassan said a Zain representative had told the court in response to the petition that the company had been ordered verbally by "high authorities" to cut the internet. A source at Zain told Reuters that the‮‮‮ ‬‬‬telecoms regulator had ordered the internet outage and demanded that they be added as a party to the case in an appeal. Sudanese officials could not be reached for comment and it was unclear what impact Sunday's court order would have. Authorities also restricted access to popular social media sites during 16 weeks of protests against veteran leader Omar al-Bashir earlier this year. Bashir was finally ousted on April 11. "Severe restrictions" The current blackout, which began on June 3, has resulted in a "near-total loss of access" for mobile and fixed line connections for most ordinary users, though connectivity had improved from 2% to 10% of normal levels by last Thursday, said Alp Toker of NetBlocks, a digital rights NGO. "Data indicate that Sudan's current internet restrictions remain more severe than those observed during the rule of Omar al-Bashir, including those applied in the final days of the regime," Toker said in an email. The blackout has hampered the speed and effectiveness of humanitarian operations, said Rick Brennan, regional emergencies director at the World Health Organization (WHO). Protesters have been demanding that authorities restore internet services as one of their conditions for returning to talks on forming a transitional administration comprising both civilians and military officers. General Salah Abdel-Khaleq, a member of Sudan's Transitional Military Council, told the BBC Arabic service in an interview this month that internet services would be restored once those talks resumed. The talks were suspended after security forces stormed the protest camp outside the Defence Ministry in central Khartoum on June 3. Protesters put the number of dead from that raid and ensuing violence at 128, and the health ministry at 61. The protesters responded to the break-up of the sit-in by declaring a state of civil disobedience, instructing supporters in various sectors of the economy to stay away from work in a move that has partially paralysed Sudan.

Sudan court orders end to military-ordered internet blackout: Lawyer

Amid the escalating tensions between the civilians and military in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/russia-joins-gulf-states-in-coaching-sudans-military-227032">Sudan</a>, the country's army ruler on Wednesday called on protest leaders to resume talks on the transfer of power without any conditions.

"We are calling on the Alliance for Freedom and Change and all political powers to come and sit without any conditions... we need a solution that satisfies all people," General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan told a gathering of medics in a speech broadcast on state television.

"The country has been without a government for three months... the Sudanese people and foreign policy have been affected by the lack of government," Burhan said.

"We don't want the situation to get out of control. We don't want to see another coup," he said.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/how-sudans-economic-crisis-had-a-role-in-protests-that-toppled-al-bashir-216685">How Sudan’s economic crisis had a role in protests that toppled al-Bashir</a>

The remark by Sudan's army ruler came two weeks after the military-led deadly dispersal of the civilians' from their sit-in protest.

Crowds of protesters who had camped for weeks outside the capital's army headquarters to demand civilian rule were violently dispersed on June 3 by armed men in military fatigues.

At least 128 people have been killed since the crackdown, the majority on the day the sit-in was cleared, according to the doctors linked to the protest movement.

The health ministry, however, has put the nationwide death toll on June 3 at 61.

The dispersal came after multiple rounds of failed talks between the military council and protest leaders.

The killings sparked a wave of international condemnation, and the ruling military council has distanced itself from the events.

The military council took power after deposing long-time president<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ousted-sudan-president-omar-al-bashir-to-be-sent-for-trial-soon-prosecutor-says-227709"> Omar al-Bashir </a>on April 11, following months of demonstrations against his iron-fisted rule.

(With inputs from AFP)

Amid the escalating tensions between the civilians and military in Sudan, the country's army ruler on Wednesday called on protest leaders to resume talks on the transfer of power without any conditions.

Amid the escalating tensions between the civilians and military in Sudan, the country's army ruler on Wednesday called on protest leaders to resume talks on the transfer of power without any conditions. "We are calling on the Alliance for Freedom and Change and all political powers to come and sit without any conditions... we need a solution that satisfies all people," General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan told a gathering of medics in a speech broadcast on state television. "The country has been without a government for three months... the Sudanese people and foreign policy have been affected by the lack of government," Burhan said. "We don't want the situation to get out of control. We don't want to see another coup," he said. Also read: How Sudan’s economic crisis had a role in protests that toppled al-Bashir The remark by Sudan's army ruler came two weeks after the military-led deadly dispersal of the civilians' from their sit-in protest. Crowds of protesters who had camped for weeks outside the capital's army headquarters to demand civilian rule were violently dispersed on June 3 by armed men in military fatigues. At least 128 people have been killed since the crackdown, the majority on the day the sit-in was cleared, according to the doctors linked to the protest movement. The health ministry, however, has put the nationwide death toll on June 3 at 61. The dispersal came after multiple rounds of failed talks between the military council and protest leaders. The killings sparked a wave of international condemnation, and the ruling military council has distanced itself from the events. The military council took power after deposing long-time president Omar al-Bashir on April 11, following months of demonstrations against his iron-fisted rule. (With inputs from AFP)

Sudan army ruler calls on protest leaders to hold unconditional talks

Sudan's ex-president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ousted-sudan-president-omar-al-bashir-to-be-sent-for-trial-soon-prosecutor-says-227709">Omar al-Bashir</a> was charged with corruption-related offences on Sunday, as he appeared in public for the first time since he was overthrown and detained in April.

Looking much the same as prior to his removal by the military, he was driven to the prosecutor's office in Khartoum.

He was charged with illicit possession of foreign currency and accepting gifts in an unofficial manner, prosecutor Alaa al-Din Abdallah told media, adding that Bashir would be given the chance to respond to the accusations.

His trial will be a test of how serious the country's transitional military council is about trying to erase the legacy of his autocratic 30-year rule, marked by widespread violence, economic collapse and the secession of South Sudan.

Bashir was charged last month with incitement and involvement in the killing of protesters, and prosecutors also want him questioned over suspected money laundering and terrorism financing.

Sudan's chief prosecutor said on Saturday that 41 former officials from Bashir's administration were being investigated for suspected graft.

Political paralysis

The military overthrew and detained Bashir on April 11 after 16 weeks of street protests against his rule.

But despite his ouster, Sudan remains paralysed by a political standoff between a transitional military council and a coalition of protesters and opposition parties demanding a civilian-led administration during a planned transition to democracy.

Talks on a power-sharing deal have collapsed, and tensions soared on June 3 when security forces stormed a protest camp in Khartoum being maintained as a way to press military rulers to hand over power.

Protesters put the number of dead from the incursion at 128, and the health ministry at 61.

Military investigators on Saturday said that government officers of various ranks were found to have been responsible for the dispersal of the camp without approval.

Addressing supporters at the presidential palace, the deputy head of the military council said on Sunday it was ready to accept nominees for top government positions proposed by the coalition.

"We are actually not in dispute and we are partners in this glorious revolution," General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo said. "They say a technocratic government and we are ready".

Sudan's ex-president Omar al-Bashir was charged with corruption-related offences on Sunday, as he appeared in public for the first time since he was overthrown and detained in April.

Sudan's ex-president Omar al-Bashir was charged with corruption-related offences on Sunday, as he appeared in public for the first time since he was overthrown and detained in April. Looking much the same as prior to his removal by the military, he was driven to the prosecutor's office in Khartoum. He was charged with illicit possession of foreign currency and accepting gifts in an unofficial manner, prosecutor Alaa al-Din Abdallah told media, adding that Bashir would be given the chance to respond to the accusations. His trial will be a test of how serious the country's transitional military council is about trying to erase the legacy of his autocratic 30-year rule, marked by widespread violence, economic collapse and the secession of South Sudan. Bashir was charged last month with incitement and involvement in the killing of protesters, and prosecutors also want him questioned over suspected money laundering and terrorism financing. Sudan's chief prosecutor said on Saturday that 41 former officials from Bashir's administration were being investigated for suspected graft. Political paralysis The military overthrew and detained Bashir on April 11 after 16 weeks of street protests against his rule. But despite his ouster, Sudan remains paralysed by a political standoff between a transitional military council and a coalition of protesters and opposition parties demanding a civilian-led administration during a planned transition to democracy. Talks on a power-sharing deal have collapsed, and tensions soared on June 3 when security forces stormed a protest camp in Khartoum being maintained as a way to press military rulers to hand over power. Protesters put the number of dead from the incursion at 128, and the health ministry at 61. Military investigators on Saturday said that government officers of various ranks were found to have been responsible for the dispersal of the camp without approval. Addressing supporters at the presidential palace, the deputy head of the military council said on Sunday it was ready to accept nominees for top government positions proposed by the coalition. "We are actually not in dispute and we are partners in this glorious revolution," General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo said. "They say a technocratic government and we are ready".

Sudan's Bashir charged with corruption, in first appearance since April

Ousted Sudanese President<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudans-bashir-to-appear-in-court-on-graft-charge-prosecutor-227462"> Omar al-Bashir</a> will stand trial soon on corruption charges, while 41 former officials from his government are being investigated for suspected graft, the chief prosecutor said on Saturday.

Bashir's trial will be a test of how serious the country's transitional military council is about trying to erase the legacy of Bashir, ousted in April after 30 years of autocratic rule that saw South Sudan secede and the economy deteriorate.

Chief prosecutor Alwaleed Sayed Ahmed Mahmoud said the former president would be referred for trial after a one-week period for objections expires.

"Forty-one criminal cases have been opened against symbols of the former regime, and measures to capture and investigate will completed next week," he added in a news conference in Khartoum, without giving further details.

Separately, a committee set up by the military council to investigate a deadly crackdown on a sit-in protest camp in central Khartoum earlier in June found that several officers were responsible.

The protest camp outside the Defence Ministry became a focal point for demonstrators demanding that the military hand over power to civilians.

Widening rift with protesters

Dozens of people were killed in the operation to disperse the protesters. The violence has led to a widening rift between them and the ruling military council, raising fears that the country could descend into chaos.

The military council had said the dispersal of the protest camp came about when a campaign against criminals using an area next to the sit-in strayed from its course, and it added that two separate teams would investigate the crackdown.

"The committee concluded that a number of officers with various ranks were responsible for clearing the protest site," the military investigative committee said in a statement read out on state TV, adding that the officers were not part of the force assigned to deal with the criminals.

The statement gave no details on the fate of the officers, but a military council spokesman on Thursday said that some of them were in custody.

An alliance of protesters have rejected the state-sponsored investigation and demanded an independent probe.

Responding to reports that he had been consulted on the dispersal of the protest site, Mahmoud said that he had attended a meeting with military heads to discuss judicial supervision of a plan to clear the area used by criminals, but that the idea of dispersing the camp had not been discussed.

He said he agreed for police to launch the operation in what is locally known as "Columbia", provided that it be carried out under the supervision of the state prosecutor's office and without using live ammunition.

Opposition-linked medics have said 118 people were killed in the crackdown, while the military council has put the toll at 61.

Bashir's ouster followed months of protests that erupted in December over cash shortages and rising bread prices. Dozens of people were killed in the mostly peaceful demonstrations.

Earlier this week, the prosecutor's office said it had completed an investigation into the former leader and charged him with offences related to "suspected illicit wealth and emergency orders."

A judicial source said in April that military intelligence had searched Bashir's home and found suitcases loaded with more than $351,000 and 6 million euros, as well as 5 million Sudanese pounds.

Bashir had already been charged with incitement and involvement in the killing of protesters, and prosecutors have also ordered that he be questioned on suspicion of money laundering and terrorism financing.

Ousted Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir will stand trial soon on corruption charges, while 41 former officials from his government are being investigated for suspected graft, the chief prosecutor said on Saturday.

Ousted Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir will stand trial soon on corruption charges, while 41 former officials from his government are being investigated for suspected graft, the chief prosecutor said on Saturday. Bashir's trial will be a test of how serious the country's transitional military council is about trying to erase the legacy of Bashir, ousted in April after 30 years of autocratic rule that saw South Sudan secede and the economy deteriorate. Chief prosecutor Alwaleed Sayed Ahmed Mahmoud said the former president would be referred for trial after a one-week period for objections expires. "Forty-one criminal cases have been opened against symbols of the former regime, and measures to capture and investigate will completed next week," he added in a news conference in Khartoum, without giving further details. Separately, a committee set up by the military council to investigate a deadly crackdown on a sit-in protest camp in central Khartoum earlier in June found that several officers were responsible. The protest camp outside the Defence Ministry became a focal point for demonstrators demanding that the military hand over power to civilians. Widening rift with protesters Dozens of people were killed in the operation to disperse the protesters. The violence has led to a widening rift between them and the ruling military council, raising fears that the country could descend into chaos. The military council had said the dispersal of the protest camp came about when a campaign against criminals using an area next to the sit-in strayed from its course, and it added that two separate teams would investigate the crackdown. "The committee concluded that a number of officers with various ranks were responsible for clearing the protest site," the military investigative committee said in a statement read out on state TV, adding that the officers were not part of the force assigned to deal with the criminals. The statement gave no details on the fate of the officers, but a military council spokesman on Thursday said that some of them were in custody. An alliance of protesters have rejected the state-sponsored investigation and demanded an independent probe. Responding to reports that he had been consulted on the dispersal of the protest site, Mahmoud said that he had attended a meeting with military heads to discuss judicial supervision of a plan to clear the area used by criminals, but that the idea of dispersing the camp had not been discussed. He said he agreed for police to launch the operation in what is locally known as "Columbia", provided that it be carried out under the supervision of the state prosecutor's office and without using live ammunition. Opposition-linked medics have said 118 people were killed in the crackdown, while the military council has put the toll at 61. Bashir's ouster followed months of protests that erupted in December over cash shortages and rising bread prices. Dozens of people were killed in the mostly peaceful demonstrations. Earlier this week, the prosecutor's office said it had completed an investigation into the former leader and charged him with offences related to "suspected illicit wealth and emergency orders." A judicial source said in April that military intelligence had searched Bashir's home and found suitcases loaded with more than $351,000 and 6 million euros, as well as 5 million Sudanese pounds. Bashir had already been charged with incitement and involvement in the killing of protesters, and prosecutors have also ordered that he be questioned on suspicion of money laundering and terrorism financing.

Ousted Sudan president Omar al-Bashir to be sent for trial soon: Prosecutor

Social media users are turning their profile pictures blue to express solidarity with Sudan in the wake of the recent military crackdown in the country that left at least 113 pro-democratic protestors dead in capital Khartoum.

One of the protestors shot in the incident was 26-year-old Mohamed Hashim Mattar, who became a symbol for #BlueforSudan social media campaign.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/arab-springs-the-game-may-not-be-all-over-yet-227095">Arab springs: The game may not be all over yet</a>

Reportedly, blue was Mattar`s favourite colour and his friends and family had put up this colour on their profiles to honour his death, reported CNN.

It soon spread across various social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, with stars like Rihanna putting up the colour and using the hashtag to spread awareness about the ongoing situation in Sudan.

"Once he was murdered, his friends and family changed their profile picture to match his, and eventually other people began to join in," Al Jazeera quoted Mattar`s friend, Shahd Khidir, as saying.&nbsp;

"Now [the colour] represents all of the Sudanese people who have fallen in the uprising."

Violence erupted in Sudan`s capital city of Khartoum on Monday after the military stormed the main camp of the protesters here in a bid to break up the agitation.

The demonstrators had demanded that the Transitional Military Council (TMC), which toppled Sudanese leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudan-charges-ousted-leader-omar-al-bashir-with-corruption-state-media-226978">Omar al-Bashir </a>in a coup this April, hand over the government charge to civilians.

In the aftermath of the military crackdown, a `civil disobedience` movement was called by The Sudanese Professionals Association (SPA) to demand the civilian rule in the country.

In a country where the state tightly monitors traditional media outlets, social media is the last resort of protestors to bring attention to the ongoing situation.&nbsp;

Social media users are turning their profile pictures blue to express solidarity with Sudan in the wake of the recent military crackdown in the country that left at least 113 pro-democratic protestors dead in capital Khartoum.

Social media users are turning their profile pictures blue to express solidarity with Sudan in the wake of the recent military crackdown in the country that left at least 113 pro-democratic protestors dead in capital Khartoum. One of the protestors shot in the incident was 26-year-old Mohamed Hashim Mattar, who became a symbol for #BlueforSudan social media campaign. Also read: Arab springs: The game may not be all over yet Reportedly, blue was Mattar`s favourite colour and his friends and family had put up this colour on their profiles to honour his death, reported CNN. It soon spread across various social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, with stars like Rihanna putting up the colour and using the hashtag to spread awareness about the ongoing situation in Sudan. "Once he was murdered, his friends and family changed their profile picture to match his, and eventually other people began to join in," Al Jazeera quoted Mattar`s friend, Shahd Khidir, as saying. "Now [the colour] represents all of the Sudanese people who have fallen in the uprising." Violence erupted in Sudan`s capital city of Khartoum on Monday after the military stormed the main camp of the protesters here in a bid to break up the agitation. The demonstrators had demanded that the Transitional Military Council (TMC), which toppled Sudanese leader Omar al-Bashir in a coup this April, hand over the government charge to civilians. In the aftermath of the military crackdown, a `civil disobedience` movement was called by The Sudanese Professionals Association (SPA) to demand the civilian rule in the country. In a country where the state tightly monitors traditional media outlets, social media is the last resort of protestors to bring attention to the ongoing situation.

Social Media goes blue to show solidarity for Sudan

Ousted Sudanese leader Omar al-Bashir will appear in court next week to face charges of corruption and possessing foreign currency, the country's acting prosecutor general told reporters on Saturday.

The announcement came more than two months after the military overthrew Bashir on April 11 following months of nationwide protests against his 30-year iron-fisted rule.

Bashir "will appear in court next week following charges of corruption and possessing foreign currency," Al-Waleed Sayyed Ahmed said, without specifying the day.

He added that the investigation launched against Bashir for the charges had been completed.

On Thursday, an unnamed Sudanese official was quoted by the official SUNA news agency as saying Bashir was facing charges including "possessing foreign funds, acquiring suspected and illegal wealth and ordering (the state of) emergency".

In April, Sudan's army ruler General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan said that more than $113 million worth of cash in three currencies had been seized from Bashir's residence.

He said a team of police, army and security agents found seven million euros ($7.8 million), $350,000 and five billion Sudanese pounds ($105 million).&nbsp;

Bashir swept to power in an Islamist-backed coup in 1989.&nbsp;

Sudan suffered high rates of corruption during his rule, ranking 172 out of 180 countries in Transparency International's 2018 Corruption Perceptions Index.

Last month, Ahmed ordered Bashir questioned over money-laundering and "financing terrorism".

In an effort to quell protests that erupted against his rule in December, Bashir imposed a nationwide state of emergency on February 22.

In May, the prosecutor general said that Bashir had been charged over the killings of protesters during those anti-regime demonstrations, which eventually led to his ouster.

Ahmed also said on Saturday that 41 other charges against "symbols of the ousted regime" were under investigation.&nbsp;

He did not name the others accused but said most of the charges were related to the "possession of land".

Ousted Sudanese leader Omar al-Bashir will appear in court next week to face charges of corruption and possessing foreign currency, the country's acting prosecutor general told reporters on Saturday.

Ousted Sudanese leader Omar al-Bashir will appear in court next week to face charges of corruption and possessing foreign currency, the country's acting prosecutor general told reporters on Saturday. The announcement came more than two months after the military overthrew Bashir on April 11 following months of nationwide protests against his 30-year iron-fisted rule. Bashir "will appear in court next week following charges of corruption and possessing foreign currency," Al-Waleed Sayyed Ahmed said, without specifying the day. He added that the investigation launched against Bashir for the charges had been completed. On Thursday, an unnamed Sudanese official was quoted by the official SUNA news agency as saying Bashir was facing charges including "possessing foreign funds, acquiring suspected and illegal wealth and ordering (the state of) emergency". In April, Sudan's army ruler General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan said that more than $113 million worth of cash in three currencies had been seized from Bashir's residence. He said a team of police, army and security agents found seven million euros ($7.8 million), $350,000 and five billion Sudanese pounds ($105 million). Bashir swept to power in an Islamist-backed coup in 1989. Sudan suffered high rates of corruption during his rule, ranking 172 out of 180 countries in Transparency International's 2018 Corruption Perceptions Index. Last month, Ahmed ordered Bashir questioned over money-laundering and "financing terrorism". In an effort to quell protests that erupted against his rule in December, Bashir imposed a nationwide state of emergency on February 22. In May, the prosecutor general said that Bashir had been charged over the killings of protesters during those anti-regime demonstrations, which eventually led to his ouster. Ahmed also said on Saturday that 41 other charges against "symbols of the ousted regime" were under investigation. He did not name the others accused but said most of the charges were related to the "possession of land".

Sudan's Bashir to appear in court on graft charge: Prosecutor

Sudan's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudans-military-rulers-say-several-coup-attempts-thwarted-226983">ruling military council</a> Thursday for the first time admitted it dispersed a Khartoum sit-in, which left dozens dead, as US and African diplomats stepped up efforts for a solution to the country's political crisis.

Protesters had staged the weeks-long sit-in outside army headquarters in Khartoum, first calling for the ouster of veteran leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudan-charges-ousted-leader-omar-al-bashir-with-corruption-state-media-226978">Omar al-Bashir</a> then for the military council that took his place to hand power to a civilian administration.

But on June 3, days after talks between protest leaders and the military collapsed, armed men in military fatigues broke up the camp in an operation that doctors said left 120 people dead. The health ministry has put the death toll for that day at 61 nationwide.

The military council had "decided to disperse the sit-in", said spokesman Shamseddine Kabbashi.

"We ordered the commanders to come up with a plan to disperse this sit-in. They made a plan and implemented it ... but we regret that some mistakes happened."

Later at the end of the conference Kabbashi said that the plan was to clear a nearby area called Colombia, usually inhabited by drug peddlers, but then "we regret what happened".

He said the findings of an investigation into the incident would be released on Saturday.

Video: Deadly Violence in Sudan

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Kabbashi also claimed "more than one coup attempt had been planned" against the military council but were prevented in recent days, with "two groups of officers" taken into custody.

Kabbashi's comments came after protesters, who had staged a nationwide civil disobedience movement to demand civilian rule, agreed Tuesday to end the campaign and resume talks with the generals.

Traffic jams have returned to downtown Khartoum and some shops in the capital's famous gold market began to reopen Thursday as more residents and office employees ventured out.

Fewer troops and members of the feared paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, accused by protesters and rights groups of leading the crackdown, were on the streets in downtown Khartoum, according to an AFP correspondent who toured parts of the capital.

But they were deployed in force in the northern district of Bahari, a bastion of protests against the military council and Bashir, who on Thursday was charged with corruption.&nbsp;

"Today is my first day to work after the campaign ended but I'm not in the mood to work," said Suheir Hassan, an employee at a government office.

"On my way I passed by the sit-in area and remembered that all those voices who used to chant revolutionary slogans have now disappeared."

US efforts for solution

Following Ethiopian mediation efforts, Washington's newly appointed special envoy to Sudan, Donald Booth, and the assistant secretary of state for Africa, Tibor Nagy, met military council chief General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan on Thursday.

Burhan told the envoys that Sudan and its people had a positive view of US efforts to reach a political settlement, according to a statement released by the military council.

Washington said Booth had been named to help craft a "peaceful solution" to the crisis that has rocked the northeast African country.

The Alliance for Freedom and Change umbrella protest movement said its leaders had briefed the two US officials on Wednesday on the need for a transparent investigation into the June 3 killings.

They also called for the withdrawal of "militias" from the streets in Khartoum and other towns, the lifting of an internet blockade and the establishment of a civilian administration, it said in a statement.

The African Union, which suspended Sudan following the crackdown, said global efforts were being made to resolve the crisis.

The AU's special envoy to Sudan, Mohamed El Hacen Lebatt, said an international team of diplomats was working to resolve the crisis and that separate discussions with the two sides were "moving forward".

Video: Human rights violation in Sudan

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Demand for guarantees

The US diplomats were also expected to meet with top envoys from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt in Khartoum.&nbsp;

Experts say the three key regional powers back the generals.

Days after Bashir's overthrow in April, Saudi Arabia and the UAE offered a $3-billion aid package to Khartoum, including a $500-million cash injection into the central bank to help support the Sudanese pound, which has plunged against the dollar.

The country's worsening economic crisis was one initial trigger for protests against Bashir's three-decade rule.

On Thursday, prosecutors charged him with corruption and "possessing foreign funds, acquiring suspect and illegal wealth" and putting in place a state of emergency, state media reported.

Last month, Sudan's public prosecutor ordered the questioning of Bashir, who is being held in Khartoum's Kober prison, over money-laundering and "financing terrorism".

Talks between the protest leaders and generals collapsed in mid-May over the question of who should lead a new governing body -- a civilian or a soldier.

Relations worsened following the crackdown, with protest leaders now insisting any agreement reached with the military rulers must be backed by "regional and international" guarantees.

Sudan's ruling military council Thursday for the first time admitted it dispersed a Khartoum sit-in, which left dozens dead, as US and African diplomats stepped up efforts for a solution to the country's political crisis.

Sudan's ruling military council Thursday for the first time admitted it dispersed a Khartoum sit-in, which left dozens dead, as US and African diplomats stepped up efforts for a solution to the country's political crisis. Protesters had staged the weeks-long sit-in outside army headquarters in Khartoum, first calling for the ouster of veteran leader Omar al-Bashir then for the military council that took his place to hand power to a civilian administration. But on June 3, days after talks between protest leaders and the military collapsed, armed men in military fatigues broke up the camp in an operation that doctors said left 120 people dead. The health ministry has put the death toll for that day at 61 nationwide. The military council had "decided to disperse the sit-in", said spokesman Shamseddine Kabbashi. "We ordered the commanders to come up with a plan to disperse this sit-in. They made a plan and implemented it ... but we regret that some mistakes happened." Later at the end of the conference Kabbashi said that the plan was to clear a nearby area called Colombia, usually inhabited by drug peddlers, but then "we regret what happened". He said the findings of an investigation into the incident would be released on Saturday. Video: Deadly Violence in Sudan × Kabbashi also claimed "more than one coup attempt had been planned" against the military council but were prevented in recent days, with "two groups of officers" taken into custody. Kabbashi's comments came after protesters, who had staged a nationwide civil disobedience movement to demand civilian rule, agreed Tuesday to end the campaign and resume talks with the generals. Traffic jams have returned to downtown Khartoum and some shops in the capital's famous gold market began to reopen Thursday as more residents and office employees ventured out. Fewer troops and members of the feared paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, accused by protesters and rights groups of leading the crackdown, were on the streets in downtown Khartoum, according to an AFP correspondent who toured parts of the capital. But they were deployed in force in the northern district of Bahari, a bastion of protests against the military council and Bashir, who on Thursday was charged with corruption. "Today is my first day to work after the campaign ended but I'm not in the mood to work," said Suheir Hassan, an employee at a government office. "On my way I passed by the sit-in area and remembered that all those voices who used to chant revolutionary slogans have now disappeared." US efforts for solution Following Ethiopian mediation efforts, Washington's newly appointed special envoy to Sudan, Donald Booth, and the assistant secretary of state for Africa, Tibor Nagy, met military council chief General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan on Thursday. Burhan told the envoys that Sudan and its people had a positive view of US efforts to reach a political settlement, according to a statement released by the military council. Washington said Booth had been named to help craft a "peaceful solution" to the crisis that has rocked the northeast African country. The Alliance for Freedom and Change umbrella protest movement said its leaders had briefed the two US officials on Wednesday on the need for a transparent investigation into the June 3 killings. They also called for the withdrawal of "militias" from the streets in Khartoum and other towns, the lifting of an internet blockade and the establishment of a civilian administration, it said in a statement. The African Union, which suspended Sudan following the crackdown, said global efforts were being made to resolve the crisis. The AU's special envoy to Sudan, Mohamed El Hacen Lebatt, said an international team of diplomats was working to resolve the crisis and that separate discussions with the two sides were "moving forward". Video: Human rights violation in Sudan × Demand for guarantees The US diplomats were also expected to meet with top envoys from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt in Khartoum. Experts say the three key regional powers back the generals. Days after Bashir's overthrow in April, Saudi Arabia and the UAE offered a $3-billion aid package to Khartoum, including a $500-million cash injection into the central bank to help support the Sudanese pound, which has plunged against the dollar. The country's worsening economic crisis was one initial trigger for protests against Bashir's three-decade rule. On Thursday, prosecutors charged him with corruption and "possessing foreign funds, acquiring suspect and illegal wealth" and putting in place a state of emergency, state media reported. Last month, Sudan's public prosecutor ordered the questioning of Bashir, who is being held in Khartoum's Kober prison, over money-laundering and "financing terrorism". Talks between the protest leaders and generals collapsed in mid-May over the question of who should lead a new governing body -- a civilian or a soldier. Relations worsened following the crackdown, with protest leaders now insisting any agreement reached with the military rulers must be backed by "regional and international" guarantees.

Sudan military admits dispersing sit-in, says 'mistakes happened'

Sudan's military rulers said on Thursday they had thwarted several coup attempts and that some officers had been arrested over the deadly dispersal of protesters at a sit-in in Khartoum earlier this month.

Two different groups of people suspected of involvement in the attempted coups had been arrested, the Transitional Military Council`s spokesman said. One group consisted of five individuals while the other had more than 12 members, he said.

The council itself took power in a coup on April 11 when&nbsp;military officials ousted and detained former President Omar al-Bashir after months of protests against his 30-year autocratic rule.&nbsp;

An area outside the defence ministry in Khartoum became the focal point of fresh protests as demonstrators demanded that the military hand over power to civilians.

Stalled talks between the council and an alliance of opposition groups over who should control a transition towards elections then collapsed after security forces crushed the protest sit-in on June 3.

Opposition-linked medics have said 118 people were killed in the crackdown while the military council has put the toll at 61.

The council said Thursday that some officers had been arrested in connection with the crackdown. It did not elaborate, but the results of an investigation into the matter would be announced on Saturday, said Shams El Din Kabbashi, the council spokesman.&nbsp;

Earlier, Tibor Nagy, the US assistant secretary of state for Africa, met with the head of the council, Lieutenant General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, in Khartoum. Veteran diplomat Donald Booth, who was appointed US&nbsp;envoy to Sudan on Wednesday, was also present.

"Amb Booth and I pressed TMC Chairman Gen Burhan to take steps to allow successful talks to resume: Stop attacks on civilians; Withdraw military from Khartoum; Allow for an independent investigation of the horrible June 3 attack on the peaceful sit-in and other recent violence; And stop repression of free speech and the internet," Nagy said on Twitter.&nbsp;

Speaking at a press conference, council spokesman Kabbashi said the United States had given it several pieces of advice.

"But they are not orders," he said, while also rejecting the idea of an international investigation.

"We do not accept it because we are a sovereign state and we have our judicial apparatus."

Human rights groups have criticised an ongoing internet shutdown in Sudan. In an apparent response to the criticism, Kabbashi said social media posed a threat to the country. "We do not allow that at the moment," he said.&nbsp;

After meeting Nagy on Wednesday, the main opposition alliance said it would only participate in indirect talks and it would impose other conditions.

The bloodshed in Sudan has prompted concern from world powers including the United States, which sanctioned Sudan under Bashir over its alleged support for militant groups and the civil war in Darfur.&nbsp;

Trade sanctions were lifted in 2017 but Sudan is still on the US list of state sponsors of terrorism, which prevents it from accessing badly needed funding from international lenders. Washington has previously said it will not take Sudan off the list while the military remains in power.&nbsp;

Stability in the nation of 40 million is crucial for a volatile region struggling with conflict and insurgencies from the Horn of Africa to Egypt and Libya. 
The military council has been bolstered by support from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, which between them have offered $3 billion in aid.

Last week, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed visited Khartoum to mediate between the military council and the opposition. Kabbashi said Abiy had proposed that negotiations between the two parties move to Addis Ababa, but the council rejected the proposal.&nbsp;

Sudan`s state prosecutor`s office said early on Thursday that Bashir had been charged with corruption after the completion of an investigation. The charges were related to laws on "suspected illicit wealth and emergency orders," the office said, without giving more details.

Bashir had already been charged in May with incitement and involvement in the killing of protesters. Prosecutors had also ordered his interrogation on suspicion of money laundering and financing terrorism.

It has not been possible to get a comment from Bashir since his removal.

Sudan's military rulers said on Thursday they had thwarted several coup attempts and that some officers had been arrested over the deadly dispersal of protesters at a sit-in in Khartoum earlier this month.

Sudan's military rulers said on Thursday they had thwarted several coup attempts and that some officers had been arrested over the deadly dispersal of protesters at a sit-in in Khartoum earlier this month. Two different groups of people suspected of involvement in the attempted coups had been arrested, the Transitional Military Council`s spokesman said. One group consisted of five individuals while the other had more than 12 members, he said. The council itself took power in a coup on April 11 when military officials ousted and detained former President Omar al-Bashir after months of protests against his 30-year autocratic rule. An area outside the defence ministry in Khartoum became the focal point of fresh protests as demonstrators demanded that the military hand over power to civilians. Stalled talks between the council and an alliance of opposition groups over who should control a transition towards elections then collapsed after security forces crushed the protest sit-in on June 3. Opposition-linked medics have said 118 people were killed in the crackdown while the military council has put the toll at 61. The council said Thursday that some officers had been arrested in connection with the crackdown. It did not elaborate, but the results of an investigation into the matter would be announced on Saturday, said Shams El Din Kabbashi, the council spokesman. Earlier, Tibor Nagy, the US assistant secretary of state for Africa, met with the head of the council, Lieutenant General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, in Khartoum. Veteran diplomat Donald Booth, who was appointed US envoy to Sudan on Wednesday, was also present. "Amb Booth and I pressed TMC Chairman Gen Burhan to take steps to allow successful talks to resume: Stop attacks on civilians; Withdraw military from Khartoum; Allow for an independent investigation of the horrible June 3 attack on the peaceful sit-in and other recent violence; And stop repression of free speech and the internet," Nagy said on Twitter. Speaking at a press conference, council spokesman Kabbashi said the United States had given it several pieces of advice. "But they are not orders," he said, while also rejecting the idea of an international investigation. "We do not accept it because we are a sovereign state and we have our judicial apparatus." Human rights groups have criticised an ongoing internet shutdown in Sudan. In an apparent response to the criticism, Kabbashi said social media posed a threat to the country. "We do not allow that at the moment," he said. After meeting Nagy on Wednesday, the main opposition alliance said it would only participate in indirect talks and it would impose other conditions. The bloodshed in Sudan has prompted concern from world powers including the United States, which sanctioned Sudan under Bashir over its alleged support for militant groups and the civil war in Darfur. Trade sanctions were lifted in 2017 but Sudan is still on the US list of state sponsors of terrorism, which prevents it from accessing badly needed funding from international lenders. Washington has previously said it will not take Sudan off the list while the military remains in power. Stability in the nation of 40 million is crucial for a volatile region struggling with conflict and insurgencies from the Horn of Africa to Egypt and Libya. The military council has been bolstered by support from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, which between them have offered $3 billion in aid. Last week, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed visited Khartoum to mediate between the military council and the opposition. Kabbashi said Abiy had proposed that negotiations between the two parties move to Addis Ababa, but the council rejected the proposal. Sudan`s state prosecutor`s office said early on Thursday that Bashir had been charged with corruption after the completion of an investigation. The charges were related to laws on "suspected illicit wealth and emergency orders," the office said, without giving more details. Bashir had already been charged in May with incitement and involvement in the killing of protesters. Prosecutors had also ordered his interrogation on suspicion of money laundering and financing terrorism. It has not been possible to get a comment from Bashir since his removal.

Sudan's military rulers say several coup attempts thwarted

Sudan's public prosecutor has charged <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/how-sudans-economic-crisis-had-a-role-in-protests-that-toppled-al-bashir-216685">ousted president Omar al-Bashir of corruption</a>, the official SUNA news agency said on Thursday.

The announcement came more than two months after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudan-army-topples-president-omar-al-bashir-209598">military ousted Bashir</a> on April 11 following months of nationwide protests against his &nbsp;30-year iron-fisted rule.

"The public prosecutor announces the completion of all investigations in the case brought against the deposed president Omar Hassan Ahmed al-Bashir by anti-corruption prosecutors," SUNA said.

An unnamed official was quoted by the agency as saying that Bashir is facing charges including "possessing foreign funds, acquiring suspected and illegal wealth and ordering (the state of) emergency".

In April, Sudan's army ruler General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan said that more than 113 million dollars worth of cash in three currencies had been seized from Bashir's residence.

He said a team of police, army and security agents found seven million euros ($7.8 million), $350,000 and five billion Sudanese pounds ($105 million) during a search at Bashir's home.&nbsp;

Bashir swept to power in an Islamist-backed coup in 1989.&nbsp;

Sudan suffered high rates of corruption under his rule ranking 172 out of 180 countries in Transparency International's 2018 Corruption Perceptions Index.

Last month, Sudan's public prosecutor ordered the questioning of Bashir over money-laundering and "financing terrorism".

In an effort to quell protests that erupted against his rule in December, Bashir had imposed a nationwide state of emergency on February 22.

In May the prosecutor general said that Bashir had been <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudans-ousted-president-bashir-charged-over-killing-of-protesters-218466">charged over the killings of protesters </a>during the anti-regime demonstrations that led to the end of his rule.

Sudan's public prosecutor has charged ousted president Omar al-Bashir of corruption, the official SUNA news agency said on Thursday. The announcement came more than two months after the military ousted Bashir on April 11 following months of nationwide protests against his 30-year iron-fisted rule.

Sudan's public prosecutor has charged ousted president Omar al-Bashir of corruption, the official SUNA news agency said on Thursday. The announcement came more than two months after the military ousted Bashir on April 11 following months of nationwide protests against his 30-year iron-fisted rule. "The public prosecutor announces the completion of all investigations in the case brought against the deposed president Omar Hassan Ahmed al-Bashir by anti-corruption prosecutors," SUNA said. An unnamed official was quoted by the agency as saying that Bashir is facing charges including "possessing foreign funds, acquiring suspected and illegal wealth and ordering (the state of) emergency". In April, Sudan's army ruler General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan said that more than 113 million dollars worth of cash in three currencies had been seized from Bashir's residence. He said a team of police, army and security agents found seven million euros ($7.8 million), $350,000 and five billion Sudanese pounds ($105 million) during a search at Bashir's home. Bashir swept to power in an Islamist-backed coup in 1989. Sudan suffered high rates of corruption under his rule ranking 172 out of 180 countries in Transparency International's 2018 Corruption Perceptions Index. Last month, Sudan's public prosecutor ordered the questioning of Bashir over money-laundering and "financing terrorism". In an effort to quell protests that erupted against his rule in December, Bashir had imposed a nationwide state of emergency on February 22. In May the prosecutor general said that Bashir had been charged over the killings of protesters during the anti-regime demonstrations that led to the end of his rule.

Sudan charges ousted leader Omar al-Bashir with corruption: State Media

Several&nbsp;shops&nbsp;and fuel stations opened and&nbsp;buses&nbsp;ran Monday in the Sudanese capital,&nbsp;on&nbsp;the second&nbsp;day&nbsp;of a nationwide&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudan-protest-group-calls-nationwide-civil-disobedience-225575/amp">civil&nbsp;disobedience&nbsp;campaign</a>&nbsp;called to pressure the ruling military.

The&nbsp;campaign&nbsp;comes a week after a deadly <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-30-dead-several-wounded-as-sudan-army-breaks-up-sit-in-protests-224037">crackdown&nbsp;on&nbsp;protesters</a> in Khartoum left dozens dead and almost two months since the April 11 ouster of&nbsp;Sudan's longtime ruler Omar al-Bashir following months of protests.

Four people were killed&nbsp;on&nbsp;Sunday -- the first&nbsp;day&nbsp;of the&nbsp;campaign&nbsp;-- two in Khartoum and two in the capital's twin city of Omdurman, just across the Nile river.

Protesters had set up several roadblocks across many areas of the capital that the ruling generals have vowed to remove in order to bring "life to normal".

On&nbsp;Monday, several&nbsp;shops, fuel stations and some branches of private banks were&nbsp;open&nbsp;across Khartoum, an AFP correspondent who toured the capital said.

Public transport&nbsp;buses&nbsp;were also ferrying passengers, while more vehicles and people were seen&nbsp;on&nbsp;the capital's streets, he said.

"If I work it does not mean that I don't support the revolution," said bus driver Abdulmajid Mohamed.

"I have to work to support my family or else we will have no money."

The generals have blamed protesters for a deterioration in security in Khartoum and across the country.

"The Alliance for Freedom and Change (umbrella protest movement) is fully responsible for recent unfortunate incidents... including blocking roads which is violating international humanitarian laws," Lieutenant General Jamaleddine Omar said&nbsp;on&nbsp;state television late Sunday.

"The Military Council has decided to reinforce the presence of armed forces, RSF and other regular forces to help normal life return," he said, including the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces behind the repression.

He said security forces would provide "security to isolated civilians, reopen roads and facilitate the mobility of people, public and private transport and protect markets and strategic state installations".

The&nbsp;civil&nbsp;disobedience&nbsp;campaign&nbsp;was launched after men in military fatigues&nbsp;on&nbsp;June 3 raided a weeks-long sit-in leaving dozens of people dead, according to protest leaders who said several bodies were removed from the Nile.

The overall death toll since June 3 has reached 118, according to a doctors committee linked to the protesters who are pressing the military to hand over power to a civilian administration.

The health ministry says 61 people died nationwide in last week's crackdown, 49 of them from "live ammunition" in Khartoum.

Several shops and fuel stations opened and buses ran Monday in the Sudanese capital, on the second day of a nationwide civil disobedience campaign called to pressure the ruling military.

Several shops and fuel stations opened and buses ran Monday in the Sudanese capital, on the second day of a nationwide civil disobedience campaign called to pressure the ruling military. The campaign comes a week after a deadly crackdown on protesters in Khartoum left dozens dead and almost two months since the April 11 ouster of Sudan's longtime ruler Omar al-Bashir following months of protests. Four people were killed on Sunday -- the first day of the campaign -- two in Khartoum and two in the capital's twin city of Omdurman, just across the Nile river. Protesters had set up several roadblocks across many areas of the capital that the ruling generals have vowed to remove in order to bring "life to normal". On Monday, several shops, fuel stations and some branches of private banks were open across Khartoum, an AFP correspondent who toured the capital said. Public transport buses were also ferrying passengers, while more vehicles and people were seen on the capital's streets, he said. "If I work it does not mean that I don't support the revolution," said bus driver Abdulmajid Mohamed. "I have to work to support my family or else we will have no money." The generals have blamed protesters for a deterioration in security in Khartoum and across the country. "The Alliance for Freedom and Change (umbrella protest movement) is fully responsible for recent unfortunate incidents... including blocking roads which is violating international humanitarian laws," Lieutenant General Jamaleddine Omar said on state television late Sunday. "The Military Council has decided to reinforce the presence of armed forces, RSF and other regular forces to help normal life return," he said, including the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces behind the repression. He said security forces would provide "security to isolated civilians, reopen roads and facilitate the mobility of people, public and private transport and protect markets and strategic state installations". The civil disobedience campaign was launched after men in military fatigues on June 3 raided a weeks-long sit-in leaving dozens of people dead, according to protest leaders who said several bodies were removed from the Nile. The overall death toll since June 3 has reached 118, according to a doctors committee linked to the protesters who are pressing the military to hand over power to a civilian administration. The health ministry says 61 people died nationwide in last week's crackdown, 49 of them from "live ammunition" in Khartoum.

Shops open, buses run on day 2 of Sudan civil campaign

Sudan's military rulers offered to resume talks with opposition groups on Wednesday, two days after security forces mounted a deadly raid on a protest camp, but the opposition rejected the invitation.

Medics linked to the opposition said the death toll from Monday's operation and subsequent unrest had risen to 101 and that it was expected to increase further. No official casualty figures have been released.

The raid, which followed weeks of wrangling between the ruling military council and opposition groups over who should lead Sudan's transition to democracy, marked the worst outbreak of violence since the army ousted President Omar al-Bashir in April after months of protests against his rule.

The Transitional Military Council cancelled all agreements it had reached with the opposition immediately after the raid but on Wednesday it rowed back amid mounting international criticism of the violence.

"We in the military council extend our hand for negotiations without shackles except the interests of the homeland," its head, Lieutenant General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, said on state TV.

But a Sudanese alliance of protesters and opposition groups rejected the offer, saying the military could not be trusted.

"Today the council invited us to dialogue and at the same time it is imposing fear on citizens in the streets," Madani Abbas Madani, a leader of the Declaration of Freedom and Change Forces (DFCF), told.

Madani said Burhan's invitation had come before the arrest of one of the opposition alliance members, Yasir Arman, deputy head of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) rebel group.

Gunfire, street blockades

Opposition medics said that 40 dead bodies had been pulled out of the Nile on Tuesday and taken to an unknown destination by pick-up trucks belonging to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. That brings the total death toll from the recent violence to 101, the medics said. Reuters was not immediately able to verify the report.

A military council spokesman could not immediately be reached for comment, but a source said a statement was to be issued soon.

The mood in the capital Khartoum remained tense on Wednesday, with demonstrators blocking streets in several districts. Gunfire rang out in the distance.

Most shops were shuttered on what would usually have been a bustling Muslim Eid al-Fitr holiday. Minor protests erupted outside mosques after Eid prayers but there were no reports of significant clashes with security forces.

The deputy head of the military council, General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, commonly known as Hemedti, said in a televised speech that it had launched "an urgent and transparent investigation" into the recent violence.

"Any person who crossed boundaries has to be punished," he added.

The military has denied trying to clear the sit-in protest outside the defence ministry on Monday. Its spokesman said forces moved in to deal with disruptive groups nearby and the violence spread from there.

Saudi Arabia, which has close ties to Sudan's military council, said on Wednesday it was watching developments with great concern and called for more dialogue.

US National Security Adviser John Bolton said in a Twitter post that Monday's violence by Sudan's security forces was "abhorrent" and demanded that the military council facilitate moves towards a civilian-led government.

The main protest organizer, the Sudanese Professionals Association, has called for an international committee to investigate Monday's deaths in what it branded a "massacre".

Several airlines have cancelled flights to Khartoum, including Bahrain's Gulf Air, flydubai and EgyptAir.

Sudan has been rocked by unrest since December, when anger over rising bread prices and cash shortages broke into sustained protests against Bashir that culminated in the military removing him after three decades in office.

Sudan's military rulers offered to resume talks with opposition groups on Wednesday, two days after security forces mounted a deadly raid on a protest camp, but the opposition rejected the invitation.

Sudan's military rulers offered to resume talks with opposition groups on Wednesday, two days after security forces mounted a deadly raid on a protest camp, but the opposition rejected the invitation. Medics linked to the opposition said the death toll from Monday's operation and subsequent unrest had risen to 101 and that it was expected to increase further. No official casualty figures have been released. The raid, which followed weeks of wrangling between the ruling military council and opposition groups over who should lead Sudan's transition to democracy, marked the worst outbreak of violence since the army ousted President Omar al-Bashir in April after months of protests against his rule. The Transitional Military Council cancelled all agreements it had reached with the opposition immediately after the raid but on Wednesday it rowed back amid mounting international criticism of the violence. "We in the military council extend our hand for negotiations without shackles except the interests of the homeland," its head, Lieutenant General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, said on state TV. But a Sudanese alliance of protesters and opposition groups rejected the offer, saying the military could not be trusted. "Today the council invited us to dialogue and at the same time it is imposing fear on citizens in the streets," Madani Abbas Madani, a leader of the Declaration of Freedom and Change Forces (DFCF), told. Madani said Burhan's invitation had come before the arrest of one of the opposition alliance members, Yasir Arman, deputy head of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) rebel group. Gunfire, street blockades Opposition medics said that 40 dead bodies had been pulled out of the Nile on Tuesday and taken to an unknown destination by pick-up trucks belonging to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. That brings the total death toll from the recent violence to 101, the medics said. Reuters was not immediately able to verify the report. A military council spokesman could not immediately be reached for comment, but a source said a statement was to be issued soon. The mood in the capital Khartoum remained tense on Wednesday, with demonstrators blocking streets in several districts. Gunfire rang out in the distance. Most shops were shuttered on what would usually have been a bustling Muslim Eid al-Fitr holiday. Minor protests erupted outside mosques after Eid prayers but there were no reports of significant clashes with security forces. The deputy head of the military council, General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, commonly known as Hemedti, said in a televised speech that it had launched "an urgent and transparent investigation" into the recent violence. "Any person who crossed boundaries has to be punished," he added. The military has denied trying to clear the sit-in protest outside the defence ministry on Monday. Its spokesman said forces moved in to deal with disruptive groups nearby and the violence spread from there. Saudi Arabia, which has close ties to Sudan's military council, said on Wednesday it was watching developments with great concern and called for more dialogue. US National Security Adviser John Bolton said in a Twitter post that Monday's violence by Sudan's security forces was "abhorrent" and demanded that the military council facilitate moves towards a civilian-led government. The main protest organizer, the Sudanese Professionals Association, has called for an international committee to investigate Monday's deaths in what it branded a "massacre". Several airlines have cancelled flights to Khartoum, including Bahrain's Gulf Air, flydubai and EgyptAir. Sudan has been rocked by unrest since December, when anger over rising bread prices and cash shortages broke into sustained protests against Bashir that culminated in the military removing him after three decades in office.

Sudan opposition rejects army's offer of talks, death toll hits 101

Sudan's military ruler on Wednesday offered to resume a dialogue on a transition to democracy, one day after he<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudans-army-ruler-cancels-elections-amid-violence-during-sit-in-protest-224030"> scrapped all agreements with an opposition alliance</a>.

The offer by the head of Sudan`s ruling military council, Lieutenant General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, came as the number of people killed since security forces stormed a protest camp in Khartoum on Monday rose to 60, according to a medical group linked to the opposition.

In a message for the Muslim Eid al-Fitr broadcast on state television, Burhan paid homage to the uprising that began in December and culminated with the military overthrow and arrest of President Omar al-Bashir in April. He was still ready to hand over power to an elected government, he said.

"We in the military council, extend our hands to negotiations without shackles except the interests of the homeland," Burhan said.

Burhan had previously announced he was skipping any negotiations with protest groups and said he would organise elections within nine months.

His decision came after security forces stormed a protest campsite outside the Defence Ministry in central Khartoum in an operation that resulted in the death of at least 35 people, according to the doctors` group.

The association said more people had been killed since then throughout Khartoum and its twin city of Omdruman. 
&nbsp;

Sudan's military ruler on Wednesday offered to resume a dialogue on a transition to democracy, one day after he scrapped all agreements with an opposition alliance.

Sudan's military ruler on Wednesday offered to resume a dialogue on a transition to democracy, one day after he scrapped all agreements with an opposition alliance. The offer by the head of Sudan`s ruling military council, Lieutenant General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, came as the number of people killed since security forces stormed a protest camp in Khartoum on Monday rose to 60, according to a medical group linked to the opposition. In a message for the Muslim Eid al-Fitr broadcast on state television, Burhan paid homage to the uprising that began in December and culminated with the military overthrow and arrest of President Omar al-Bashir in April. He was still ready to hand over power to an elected government, he said. "We in the military council, extend our hands to negotiations without shackles except the interests of the homeland," Burhan said. Burhan had previously announced he was skipping any negotiations with protest groups and said he would organise elections within nine months. His decision came after security forces stormed a protest campsite outside the Defence Ministry in central Khartoum in an operation that resulted in the death of at least 35 people, according to the doctors` group. The association said more people had been killed since then throughout Khartoum and its twin city of Omdruman.

Sudan's military chief says he's ready to resume talks as death toll rises to 60

Sudan's military forcefully broke up a<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudans-army-ruler-cancels-elections-amid-violence-during-sit-in-protest-224030"> weeks-long sit-in outside Khartoum's</a> army headquarters on Monday, leaving more than 30 dead and hundreds wounded in a crackdown met with sharp international condemnation.

Heavily armed members of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces were deployed around the capital, guarding entrances to the bridges that cross the Nile, and moved in convoys around the city.

The United States called it a "brutal" crackdown on protesters, who want the generals behind the overthrow of veteran president Omar al-Bashir to hand over to civilian rule.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the use of excessive force by the security forces against protesters and called for an independent investigation.

The UN Security Council will meet behind closed doors on Tuesday to discuss Sudan, after Britain and Germany requested the talks, diplomats said.

The Central Committee of Sudanese Doctors, which is close to the protesters, said the "massacre" toll &nbsp;had "risen to more than 30," with "hundreds of wounded".

An eight-year-old child was among those killed, it said, and called for "urgent support" from humanitarian organisations to help the wounded.

Footage from the Royal Care hospital earlier in the day near the site of the sit-in showed people on the floors of the wards receiving treatment as men in uniforms sitting in pickup trucks gathered outside.

An AFP correspondent said the streets of the capital were largely empty Monday night, a time the city is usually busy.

- 'Bloody massacre' - 
Some streets were blocked off by demonstrators who had erected barricades made from stones, tree trunks and burning tyres earlier in the day.

Many shops and businesses were shuttered around the city.

The military council denied its forces violently dispersed the sit-in in front of army headquarters, as demonstrators took to the streets in towns elsewhere in the country.

But protest leaders said the main site in Khartoum had been cleared.

"The Rapid Support Forces and the army and police and militia battalions dispersed the peaceful sit-in," said the Alliance for Freedom and Change.

Outside the army headquarters "there is no one, but the pure bodies of our martyrs that it has not been possible to evacuate from the site".

The Sudanese Professionals Association, which spearheaded nationwide protests that started in December, said Monday's crackdown amounted to a "bloody massacre".

It called on Sudanese to take part in "total civil disobedience" to topple the military council.

It also asked people to go out on Tuesday to hold Eid prayers to mark the end of Ramadan, "pray for the martyrs" and then "demonstrate peacefully".

The official date of Eid al-Fitr in Sudan has been fixed for Wednesday, official news agency SUNA said.

The doctors' committee said forces had opened fire inside the city's East Nile Hospital and had chased "peaceful protesters".

Rallies against Bashir's authoritarian, three-decade rule led to his ouster in April, but protesters had remained outside the army headquarters calling on the generals to cede power to a transitional authority.

Britain's ambassador to Khartoum, Irfan Siddiq, said he had heard "heavy gunfire" from his residence.

The US embassy in Khartoum said "security forces' attacks against protesters and other civilians is wrong and must stop."

"Responsibility falls on the TMC. The TMC cannot responsibly lead the people of Sudan," it added, referring to the transitional military council.

Tibor Nagy, the assistant secretary of state for Africa, tweeted that it was a "brutal and coordinated attack, led by the Rapid Support Forces militia, that mirrors some of the worst offences of the Bashir regime".

Moussa Faki, the head of the African Union Commission, urged "an immediate and transparent investigation in order to hold all those responsible accountable".

Amnesty International urged the international community to consider "all forms of peaceful pressure, including targeted sanctions on those members of the Sudanese transitional authorities responsible for this morning’s violent attack on sleeping protesters."

The Alliance for Freedom and Change announced "the end of all political contact and negotiations with the putschist Council" following the deaths, even as the United Arab Emirates and Egypt appealed for the two sides to talk.

Sudan's military forcefully broke up a weeks-long sit-in outside Khartoum's army headquarters on Monday, leaving more than 30 dead and hundreds wounded in a crackdown met with sharp international condemnation.

Sudan's military forcefully broke up a weeks-long sit-in outside Khartoum's army headquarters on Monday, leaving more than 30 dead and hundreds wounded in a crackdown met with sharp international condemnation. Heavily armed members of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces were deployed around the capital, guarding entrances to the bridges that cross the Nile, and moved in convoys around the city. The United States called it a "brutal" crackdown on protesters, who want the generals behind the overthrow of veteran president Omar al-Bashir to hand over to civilian rule. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the use of excessive force by the security forces against protesters and called for an independent investigation. The UN Security Council will meet behind closed doors on Tuesday to discuss Sudan, after Britain and Germany requested the talks, diplomats said. The Central Committee of Sudanese Doctors, which is close to the protesters, said the "massacre" toll had "risen to more than 30," with "hundreds of wounded". An eight-year-old child was among those killed, it said, and called for "urgent support" from humanitarian organisations to help the wounded. Footage from the Royal Care hospital earlier in the day near the site of the sit-in showed people on the floors of the wards receiving treatment as men in uniforms sitting in pickup trucks gathered outside. An AFP correspondent said the streets of the capital were largely empty Monday night, a time the city is usually busy. - 'Bloody massacre' - Some streets were blocked off by demonstrators who had erected barricades made from stones, tree trunks and burning tyres earlier in the day. Many shops and businesses were shuttered around the city. The military council denied its forces violently dispersed the sit-in in front of army headquarters, as demonstrators took to the streets in towns elsewhere in the country. But protest leaders said the main site in Khartoum had been cleared. "The Rapid Support Forces and the army and police and militia battalions dispersed the peaceful sit-in," said the Alliance for Freedom and Change. Outside the army headquarters "there is no one, but the pure bodies of our martyrs that it has not been possible to evacuate from the site". The Sudanese Professionals Association, which spearheaded nationwide protests that started in December, said Monday's crackdown amounted to a "bloody massacre". It called on Sudanese to take part in "total civil disobedience" to topple the military council. It also asked people to go out on Tuesday to hold Eid prayers to mark the end of Ramadan, "pray for the martyrs" and then "demonstrate peacefully". The official date of Eid al-Fitr in Sudan has been fixed for Wednesday, official news agency SUNA said. The doctors' committee said forces had opened fire inside the city's East Nile Hospital and had chased "peaceful protesters". Rallies against Bashir's authoritarian, three-decade rule led to his ouster in April, but protesters had remained outside the army headquarters calling on the generals to cede power to a transitional authority. Britain's ambassador to Khartoum, Irfan Siddiq, said he had heard "heavy gunfire" from his residence. The US embassy in Khartoum said "security forces' attacks against protesters and other civilians is wrong and must stop." "Responsibility falls on the TMC. The TMC cannot responsibly lead the people of Sudan," it added, referring to the transitional military council. Tibor Nagy, the assistant secretary of state for Africa, tweeted that it was a "brutal and coordinated attack, led by the Rapid Support Forces militia, that mirrors some of the worst offences of the Bashir regime". Moussa Faki, the head of the African Union Commission, urged "an immediate and transparent investigation in order to hold all those responsible accountable". Amnesty International urged the international community to consider "all forms of peaceful pressure, including targeted sanctions on those members of the Sudanese transitional authorities responsible for this morning’s violent attack on sleeping protesters." The Alliance for Freedom and Change announced "the end of all political contact and negotiations with the putschist Council" following the deaths, even as the United Arab Emirates and Egypt appealed for the two sides to talk.

At least 30 dead, several wounded as Sudan Army breaks up sit-in protests

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