A family fleeing conflict-torn Sudan said they are among thousands of people stuck at the Egypt border as drivers are demanding $40,000 to hire a bus to travel across, according to a report by BBC on Saturday (April 29). The family had escaped the fighting in Sudan's capital city Khartoum. Speaking to the BBC from the border town of Wadi Halfa, Fadi Atabani said his family, which includes an 88-year-old woman, were trapped.&nbsp;

"There are thousands of people here. There is no accommodation. People are sleeping in schools or [on] mattresses," Atabani said. As per the report, most of the family members have British nationality and Atabani has been appealing to authorities in the United Kingdom (UK) for help.&nbsp;

"I cannot guarantee my children's medical health here we are in the middle of the desert. I want the British government to assist me in evacuating or a bus which can get us across the border," Atabani said and accused local bus drivers of taking advantage of the desperate situation travellers have found themselves in.&nbsp;

He said that normally, the cost of hiring a bus is $3,000, but at present people are paying $40,000.&nbsp;

"Who has that sort of money? The banks were closed, ATM machines are not working," he further told the BBC.&nbsp;

Hosna, a resident of Khartoum, said she had two daughters trapped in Sudan's capital city. Hosna said her daughters had to pay $400 each to travel to the border compared to $25 before the conflict in Sudan began on April 15. The woman arrived in Egypt Aswan's city before the fighting started.&nbsp;

"My daughters saw an artillery shell fall in our neighbourhood. I could not bring them here. I don't have a husband or a son to help them. I work day in and day out to save money," she added.&nbsp;

Esraa Bani, a Sudanese-American academic, who flew to the Egyptian city to help people arriving, said the bus prices increased astronomically.&nbsp;

Fighting in Sudan is raging despite the two warring factions — Sudan's army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) — agreeing to extend the ceasefire by another 72 hours. On Saturday, warplanes on bombing raids drew heavy anti-aircraft fire over Khartoum. 
 
Speaking to the news agency AFP, a witness in southern Khartoum said, "We woke up once again to the sound of fighter jets and anti-aircraft weapons blasting all over our neighbourhood."

Another witness, meanwhile, told AFP that fighting has been going on since early morning, especially around the state broadcaster's headquarters in Omdurman.

(With inputs from agencies) 
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A family fleeing conflict-torn Sudan said they are among thousands of people stuck at the Egypt border as drivers are demanding $40,000 to hire a bus to travel across, according to a report by BBC on Saturday (April 29).

A family fleeing conflict-torn Sudan said they are among thousands of people stuck at the Egypt border as drivers are demanding $40,000 to hire a bus to travel across, according to a report by BBC on Saturday (April 29). The family had escaped the fighting in Sudan's capital city Khartoum. Speaking to the BBC from the border town of Wadi Halfa, Fadi Atabani said his family, which includes an 88-year-old woman, were trapped. "There are thousands of people here. There is no accommodation. People are sleeping in schools or [on] mattresses," Atabani said. As per the report, most of the family members have British nationality and Atabani has been appealing to authorities in the United Kingdom (UK) for help. "I cannot guarantee my children's medical health here we are in the middle of the desert. I want the British government to assist me in evacuating or a bus which can get us across the border," Atabani said and accused local bus drivers of taking advantage of the desperate situation travellers have found themselves in. He said that normally, the cost of hiring a bus is $3,000, but at present people are paying $40,000. "Who has that sort of money? The banks were closed, ATM machines are not working," he further told the BBC. Hosna, a resident of Khartoum, said she had two daughters trapped in Sudan's capital city. Hosna said her daughters had to pay $400 each to travel to the border compared to $25 before the conflict in Sudan began on April 15. The woman arrived in Egypt Aswan's city before the fighting started. "My daughters saw an artillery shell fall in our neighbourhood. I could not bring them here. I don't have a husband or a son to help them. I work day in and day out to save money," she added. Esraa Bani, a Sudanese-American academic, who flew to the Egyptian city to help people arriving, said the bus prices increased astronomically. Fighting in Sudan is raging despite the two warring factions — Sudan's army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) — agreeing to extend the ceasefire by another 72 hours. On Saturday, warplanes on bombing raids drew heavy anti-aircraft fire over Khartoum. Speaking to the news agency AFP, a witness in southern Khartoum said, "We woke up once again to the sound of fighter jets and anti-aircraft weapons blasting all over our neighbourhood." Another witness, meanwhile, told AFP that fighting has been going on since early morning, especially around the state broadcaster's headquarters in Omdurman. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Sudan conflict: Bus drivers demanding $40,000 to help people cross Egypt border, says report

The United States' first coordinated efforts to evacuate its private citizens from Sudan took place on Friday when a convoy of buses carrying approximately 300 Americans departed the war-torn capital of Khartoum and began a 525-mile journey&nbsp;to the Red Sea.

Armed American drones flew high above the convoy, keeping a close eye out for potential threats. After securing security guarantees from the enemies, the United Nations and numerous other countries have also evacuated their citizens overland, reported The New York Times.&nbsp;

It raised new concerns about why the United States had taken so long to plan a civilian evacuation from Sudan, which was home to approximately 16,000 Americans, many of whom were dual nationals, when Western and Persian Gulf allies had moved faster and evacuated many&nbsp;more people.

Starting&nbsp;Tuesday, Britain has evacuated 1,573 people, the majority of whom are British citizens, from an airfield north of Khartoum. Another 1,700 people were airlifted out of harm's way by Germany and France. According to Saudi authorities, at least 3,000 more people from various nations were evacuated by boat from Port Sudan to Jeddah.

Other nations are already reducing their evacuation efforts as the U.S. steps up its own.&nbsp;Due to a "significant decline" in demand for seats, Britain announced on Friday that it would stop operating its airlift at 6 pm&nbsp;on Saturday.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudan-conflict-bus-drivers-demanding-40000-to-help-people-cross-egypt-border-says-report-587265">Sudan conflict: Bus drivers demanding $40,000 to help people cross Egypt border, says report</a>

The disparity could be a result of the American government taking a more cautious approach to airlifting civilians out of an unpredictably chaotic conflict zone with no clearly defined front lines. This concern appeared to be partially justified on Friday when Turkey reported that one of its military aircraft had come under fire as it landed at the airfield on the edge of Khartoum.

Other Americans have made it to the&nbsp;border on their own by road, crossing into Egypt and Ethiopia, joining tens of thousands of Sudanese who have made the same journey. The United States has assisted American citizens in getting seats on flights out of Khartoum organised by allied nations, and occasionally on convoys going through Khartoum to the airfield.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Indian Air Force pilots use Night Vision Goggles to land C-130J on degraded Sudan airstrip | Details

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As a result of a demand that was much lower than that of other Western countries, the United States first said that it would not evacuate American civilians or their families. Only "dozens" of Americans had expressed a desire to leave, according to Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken on Monday. 
 
(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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The United States' first coordinated efforts to evacuate its private citizens from Sudan took place on Friday when a convoy of buses carrying approximately 300 Americans departed the war-torn capital of Khartoum and began a 525-mile journey to the Red Sea.

The United States' first coordinated efforts to evacuate its private citizens from Sudan took place on Friday when a convoy of buses carrying approximately 300 Americans departed the war-torn capital of Khartoum and began a 525-mile journey to the Red Sea. Armed American drones flew high above the convoy, keeping a close eye out for potential threats. After securing security guarantees from the enemies, the United Nations and numerous other countries have also evacuated their citizens overland, reported The New York Times. It raised new concerns about why the United States had taken so long to plan a civilian evacuation from Sudan, which was home to approximately 16,000 Americans, many of whom were dual nationals, when Western and Persian Gulf allies had moved faster and evacuated many more people. Starting Tuesday, Britain has evacuated 1,573 people, the majority of whom are British citizens, from an airfield north of Khartoum. Another 1,700 people were airlifted out of harm's way by Germany and France. According to Saudi authorities, at least 3,000 more people from various nations were evacuated by boat from Port Sudan to Jeddah. Other nations are already reducing their evacuation efforts as the U.S. steps up its own. Due to a "significant decline" in demand for seats, Britain announced on Friday that it would stop operating its airlift at 6 pm on Saturday. ALSO READ | Sudan conflict: Bus drivers demanding $40,000 to help people cross Egypt border, says report The disparity could be a result of the American government taking a more cautious approach to airlifting civilians out of an unpredictably chaotic conflict zone with no clearly defined front lines. This concern appeared to be partially justified on Friday when Turkey reported that one of its military aircraft had come under fire as it landed at the airfield on the edge of Khartoum. Other Americans have made it to the border on their own by road, crossing into Egypt and Ethiopia, joining tens of thousands of Sudanese who have made the same journey. The United States has assisted American citizens in getting seats on flights out of Khartoum organised by allied nations, and occasionally on convoys going through Khartoum to the airfield. ALSO WATCH | Indian Air Force pilots use Night Vision Goggles to land C-130J on degraded Sudan airstrip | Details As a result of a demand that was much lower than that of other Western countries, the United States first said that it would not evacuate American civilians or their families. Only "dozens" of Americans had expressed a desire to leave, according to Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken on Monday. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US begins evacuation of American citizens from war-torn Sudan

The violent civil war between the Sudanese Army and the paramilitary forces has led to the death of more than 400 while 3,500 have been injured, the World Health Organization (WHO) informed on Friday.

The violent civil war between the Sudanese Army and the paramilitary forces has led to the death of more than 400 while 3,500 have been injured, the World Health Organization (WHO) informed on Friday. UNICEF added that at least nine children were among the dead and more than 50 had been wounded. "413 people have died and 3,551 people have been injured," WHO spokeswoman Margaret Harris told reporters at a press briefing in Geneva. Earlier, the United Nations Human Rights Commission (UNHRC) and World Food Programme (WFP) said that between 10,000 to 20,000 people had fled to the neighbouring country of Chad to seek refuge as the violence escalated. The data has been released as Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) agreed to a 72-hour “humanitarian truce” from 6:00 (local time), on Friday (April 21) coinciding with the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr. “The truce coincides with the blessed Eid al-Fitr...to open humanitarian corridors to evacuate citizens and give them the opportunity to greet their families,” RSF wrote on its Twitter account. WATCH | US prepares troops for possible evacuation of embassy staff from Sudan × Army chief has not accepted ceasefire Meanwhile, Army Chief General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan has not yet indicated that his forces will be agreeing to the ceasefire announced. Burhan posted a message on Friday about Eid but refrained from talking about any ceasefire. "We mourn all the victims of my country and pray for the recovery of those injured and pray to God that this occasion of Eid returns in safety and peace," said the army chief, in a pre-recorded statement posted on Facebook. ALSO READ | RSF fighters agree to 72-hour ceasefire for Eid; thousands flee from Sudan to Chad According to the Central Committee of Sudan Doctors, as soon as the Eid celebrations began overnight, the forces of two rival generals engaged in intense street fights in the capital city of Khartoum. The fighting broke out on Saturday last week and since then has escalated only. The two warring factions were allies once as they seized power together in 2021. However, the proposed integration of RSF into the army did not sit well with the former. This led to a power struggle and has since metamorphosed into a full-blown civil war. Khartoum has witnessed the fiercest battles with the fighting spreading across the country as well. World leaders have called for an immediate end to violence but the two parties are unwilling to drop the weapons. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Over 400 killed, 3,500 injured as Sudanese Army and paramilitary forces continue fighting: WHO

In Sudan, the clashes between the army and the main paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have escalated and left dozens of people dead, including civilians during an apparent struggle for control. According to the reports citing pro-democracy medics, the death toll increased to 56 on Sunday (April 16). The Central Committee of Sudan Doctors said that "the total number of deaths among civilians reached 56" and it also said that there were "tens of deaths" among security forces but they were not included in that death toll.&nbsp;

<h2>What's happening in Sudan?&nbsp;</h2>

Witnesses said that deafening explosions and intense gunfire rattled buildings in the capital Khartoum's densely-populated northern and southern suburbs as tanks were seen on the streets and fighter jets roared overhead.&nbsp;

As quoted by the news agency Reuters, an eyewitness described the violence in Kharkoum as sounding like a "thunderstorm". American tourist Lakshmi Parthasarathy told the news agency: "We woke up and went outside, there were fighter jets. There's just a lot of chaos going on. There was smoke everywhere."&nbsp;

Reuters report mentioned that Parthasarathy shot drone footage, which showed black smoke emerging from an area near Khartoum International Airport. Local reports and agencies also stated that a Saudi Arabian Airlines plane came under fire at the airport during the clashes.&nbsp;

The 32-year-old software engineer and part-time video creator, said: "I don't think anyone expected this to happen. I felt... you know, it's nerve-wracking."&nbsp;

<h2>What triggered the clashes?&nbsp;</h2>

The Sudanese army and the RSF were jointly running the country since October 2021 after deposing President Omar al-Bashir. They banded together a Sovereign Council, led by Army Chief General Abdel al-Burhan and co-led by RSF Chief General Mohamed Hamdan.&nbsp;

The Sudanese army proposed RSF's integration into itself within a timeline of two years, a move RSF wanted to delay for ten years. The army also supports the transfer of power to a civilian government, another point of contention between the two erstwhile Sovereign Council members.

The RSF chief Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo claims to have seized most of the official sites in the capital Khartoum.

The RSF&nbsp;led by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (known as Hemedti), and army soldiers loyal to General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan engaged in combat for the first time on Saturday.

According to witnesses,&nbsp;the army reportedly struck a facility in Omdurman, a city that borders the capital Khartoum, after a day of intense battle. Important facilities in Khartoum, like the airport, where fighting raged overnight, were claimed by both the military and the RSF. Meanwhile, to establish a transitional government after a military coup in 2021, political factions are negotiating with the RSF and the military, who are vying for control.&nbsp;

The fighting broke out due to escalating tensions over the RSF's enlistment in the military. The signing of a deal with political parties on a democratic transition that is backed by the international community has been delayed because of the debate over the timeline for it.&nbsp;

The clashes coincided with the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. As Sudan battles economic collapse and ethnic strife, a protracted conflict might disrupt efforts to advance towards elections and spark widespread unrest.&nbsp;

<h2>Internet services blocked, power outage&nbsp;</h2>

Reuters report mentioned that two company insiders said that the government telecommunications regulator ordered Sudan's MTN telecommunications provider to ban internet access nationwide.&nbsp;

Huda, a young resident in southern Khartoum, told Reuters: "We're scared, we haven't slept for 24 hours because of the noise and the house shaking. We're worried about running out of water and food, and medicine for my diabetic father." She added, "There's so much false information and everyone is lying. We don't know when this will end, how it will end." &nbsp;

Tagreed Abdin, an architect living in Khartoum, told the news agency that there was a power outage and people were trying to conserve phone batteries. She said: "We can hear air strikes, shelling, and gunfire."&nbsp;

<h2>What did the army say?&nbsp;</h2>

The army said in a statement on Sunday that "the hour of victory is near". The statement read: "We pray for mercy for the innocent lives taken by this reckless adventure taken by the rebel Rapid Support militia... We will have good news for our patient and proud people soon, God willing."&nbsp;

<h2>International condemnation</h2>

The clashes drew global condemnation as the United States, China, Russia, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Nations, European Union and African Union appealed for an immediate end to the hostilities.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken consulted with the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates and declared on Saturday that all parties involved in the conflict in Sudan must immediately and unconditionally halt hostilities.&nbsp;

The Saudi state news agency reported that after a phone call, the Saudi, US and UAE foreign ministers called for a return to the framework agreement on the transition to democracy.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the armed forces said it would not negotiate with the RSF unless the force dissolved.&nbsp;

<h2>Indian national dies in Khartoum&nbsp;</h2>

An Indian national named Albert Augestine succumbed to stray&nbsp;bullet injury, the Indian embassy in Sudan tweeted. Augestine was struck by a stray bullet on Saturday while working for the Dal Group Corporation in the African nation.&nbsp;

The embassy&nbsp;tweeted: "It has been reported that Mr Albert Augestine, an Indian National working in a Dal Group Company in Sudan who got hit by a stray bullet yesterday succumbed to his injuries. The embassy is in touch with family and medical authorities to make further arrangements."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
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In Sudan, the clashes between the army and the main paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have escalated and left dozens of people dead, including civilians during an apparent struggle for control.

In Sudan, the clashes between the army and the main paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have escalated and left dozens of people dead, including civilians during an apparent struggle for control. According to the reports citing pro-democracy medics, the death toll increased to 56 on Sunday (April 16). The Central Committee of Sudan Doctors said that "the total number of deaths among civilians reached 56" and it also said that there were "tens of deaths" among security forces but they were not included in that death toll. What's happening in Sudan? Witnesses said that deafening explosions and intense gunfire rattled buildings in the capital Khartoum's densely-populated northern and southern suburbs as tanks were seen on the streets and fighter jets roared overhead. As quoted by the news agency Reuters, an eyewitness described the violence in Kharkoum as sounding like a "thunderstorm". American tourist Lakshmi Parthasarathy told the news agency: "We woke up and went outside, there were fighter jets. There's just a lot of chaos going on. There was smoke everywhere." Reuters report mentioned that Parthasarathy shot drone footage, which showed black smoke emerging from an area near Khartoum International Airport. Local reports and agencies also stated that a Saudi Arabian Airlines plane came under fire at the airport during the clashes. The 32-year-old software engineer and part-time video creator, said: "I don't think anyone expected this to happen. I felt... you know, it's nerve-wracking." What triggered the clashes? The Sudanese army and the RSF were jointly running the country since October 2021 after deposing President Omar al-Bashir. They banded together a Sovereign Council, led by Army Chief General Abdel al-Burhan and co-led by RSF Chief General Mohamed Hamdan. The Sudanese army proposed RSF's integration into itself within a timeline of two years, a move RSF wanted to delay for ten years. The army also supports the transfer of power to a civilian government, another point of contention between the two erstwhile Sovereign Council members. The RSF chief Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo claims to have seized most of the official sites in the capital Khartoum. The RSF led by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (known as Hemedti), and army soldiers loyal to General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan engaged in combat for the first time on Saturday. According to witnesses, the army reportedly struck a facility in Omdurman, a city that borders the capital Khartoum, after a day of intense battle. Important facilities in Khartoum, like the airport, where fighting raged overnight, were claimed by both the military and the RSF. Meanwhile, to establish a transitional government after a military coup in 2021, political factions are negotiating with the RSF and the military, who are vying for control. The fighting broke out due to escalating tensions over the RSF's enlistment in the military. The signing of a deal with political parties on a democratic transition that is backed by the international community has been delayed because of the debate over the timeline for it. The clashes coincided with the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. As Sudan battles economic collapse and ethnic strife, a protracted conflict might disrupt efforts to advance towards elections and spark widespread unrest. Internet services blocked, power outage Reuters report mentioned that two company insiders said that the government telecommunications regulator ordered Sudan's MTN telecommunications provider to ban internet access nationwide. Huda, a young resident in southern Khartoum, told Reuters: "We're scared, we haven't slept for 24 hours because of the noise and the house shaking. We're worried about running out of water and food, and medicine for my diabetic father." She added, "There's so much false information and everyone is lying. We don't know when this will end, how it will end." Tagreed Abdin, an architect living in Khartoum, told the news agency that there was a power outage and people were trying to conserve phone batteries. She said: "We can hear air strikes, shelling, and gunfire." What did the army say? The army said in a statement on Sunday that "the hour of victory is near". The statement read: "We pray for mercy for the innocent lives taken by this reckless adventure taken by the rebel Rapid Support militia... We will have good news for our patient and proud people soon, God willing." International condemnation The clashes drew global condemnation as the United States, China, Russia, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Nations, European Union and African Union appealed for an immediate end to the hostilities. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken consulted with the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates and declared on Saturday that all parties involved in the conflict in Sudan must immediately and unconditionally halt hostilities. The Saudi state news agency reported that after a phone call, the Saudi, US and UAE foreign ministers called for a return to the framework agreement on the transition to democracy. Meanwhile, the armed forces said it would not negotiate with the RSF unless the force dissolved. Indian national dies in Khartoum An Indian national named Albert Augestine succumbed to stray bullet injury, the Indian embassy in Sudan tweeted. Augestine was struck by a stray bullet on Saturday while working for the Dal Group Corporation in the African nation. The embassy tweeted: "It has been reported that Mr Albert Augestine, an Indian National working in a Dal Group Company in Sudan who got hit by a stray bullet yesterday succumbed to his injuries. The embassy is in touch with family and medical authorities to make further arrangements." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained: What's happening in Sudan? What caused the army-paramilitary clashes?

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

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

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

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

Sudan’s armed forces chief and coup leader General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan defended the military’s actions saying that they seized power to prevent ‘civil war’ in the country.

“The dangers we witnessed last week could have led the country into civil war,” al-Burhan told a news conference.

Al-Burhan claimed that he had to arrest politicians and call for a state of emergency as they were “inciting against the armed forces”.

Speaking for the first time since announcing the takeover, the army chief on Tuesday further said the deposed Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok was being kept at the general’s house “for his own safety”, but has now returned home.

“The prime minister was at his house, but we feared that he will be harmed," he said.

“I was with him last night... and he is going about his life... he will return to his home when the crisis is over and all threats are gone,” he added.

The military chief further said Sudan was committed to the transition to civilian rule, with elections planned for July 2023.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/military-coup-in-sudan-pm-ministers-and-officials-detained-internet-access-cut-off-423768">Military coup in Sudan:&nbsp;PM, ministers, and officials detained, internet access cut off</a>

The statements by al-Burhan come in the backdrop of continuing protests against the coup in the capital, Khartoum, with roads, bridges and shops closed. Phone and internet lines have also been reportedly disrupted.

At least 10 people are said to have been killed since the unrest began.

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The sudden ouster of the civilian government has drawn condemnation from across the world.

Sudanese ambassadors to 12 countries, including the United States, United Arab Emirates, China, and France, have rejected the military takeover, a diplomatic source told Reuters on Tuesday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/military-coup-in-sudan-us-suspends-700-million-in-aid-urges-restoration-of-government-424003">Military coup in Sudan: US suspends $700 million in aid, urges restoration of government</a>

The US, the UK, EU, UN and African Union, of which Sudan is a member, have all demanded the immediate release of all arrested political leaders which includes members of Hamdok’s cabinet.

The US has halted $700m aid to Sudan and the EU has threatened to do the same. Both are demanding the restoration of the civilian government without preconditions.

There have been previous military coups in Sudan since it gained independence from Britain and Egypt in 1956. Al-Bashir came to power in a 1989 military coup that removed the country's last elected government.&nbsp;

The civilian government and the military establishment have been at odds since long-time ruler Omar al-Bashir was overthrown in 2019.

A power-sharing agreement between civilian and military leaders was designed to steer Sudan towards democracy but has proven fragile with a number of previous coup attempts.

(With inputs from agencies)

Sudan’s armed forces chief and coup leader General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan defended the military’s actions saying that they seized power to prevent ‘civil war’ in the country.

Sudan’s armed forces chief and coup leader General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan defended the military’s actions saying that they seized power to prevent ‘civil war’ in the country. “The dangers we witnessed last week could have led the country into civil war,” al-Burhan told a news conference. Al-Burhan claimed that he had to arrest politicians and call for a state of emergency as they were “inciting against the armed forces”. Speaking for the first time since announcing the takeover, the army chief on Tuesday further said the deposed Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok was being kept at the general’s house “for his own safety”, but has now returned home. “The prime minister was at his house, but we feared that he will be harmed," he said. “I was with him last night... and he is going about his life... he will return to his home when the crisis is over and all threats are gone,” he added. The military chief further said Sudan was committed to the transition to civilian rule, with elections planned for July 2023. Also read | Military coup in Sudan: PM, ministers, and officials detained, internet access cut off The statements by al-Burhan come in the backdrop of continuing protests against the coup in the capital, Khartoum, with roads, bridges and shops closed. Phone and internet lines have also been reportedly disrupted. At least 10 people are said to have been killed since the unrest began. Watch The sudden ouster of the civilian government has drawn condemnation from across the world. Sudanese ambassadors to 12 countries, including the United States, United Arab Emirates, China, and France, have rejected the military takeover, a diplomatic source told Reuters on Tuesday. Also read | Military coup in Sudan: US suspends $700 million in aid, urges restoration of government The US, the UK, EU, UN and African Union, of which Sudan is a member, have all demanded the immediate release of all arrested political leaders which includes members of Hamdok’s cabinet. The US has halted $700m aid to Sudan and the EU has threatened to do the same. Both are demanding the restoration of the civilian government without preconditions. There have been previous military coups in Sudan since it gained independence from Britain and Egypt in 1956. Al-Bashir came to power in a 1989 military coup that removed the country's last elected government. The civilian government and the military establishment have been at odds since long-time ruler Omar al-Bashir was overthrown in 2019. A power-sharing agreement between civilian and military leaders was designed to steer Sudan towards democracy but has proven fragile with a number of previous coup attempts. (With inputs from agencies)

'Wanted to prevent civil war': Sudan Army chief al-Burhan defends coup

Russia has emerged as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates’ silent partner in assisting the Sudan military’s efforts to weaken, if not defeat, a months-long popular revolt that has already toppled president Omar al-Bashir.

Documents leaked to The Guardian and MHK Media, a Russian-language news website, by the London-based Dossier Centre, an investigative group funded by exiled Russian businessman Mikhail Khodorkovsky, disclosed Russia’s hitherto behind-the-scenes role in Sudan.

Laying out plans to bolster Russia’s position across Africa by building relations with rulers, striking military deals, and grooming a new generation of leaders and undercover agents, the documents included details of a campaign to smear anti-government protesters in Sudan.

The plan for the campaign appeared to have been copy-pasted from proposals to counter opposition in Russia to president Vladimir Putin with references to Russia mistakenly not having been replaced with Sudan in one document.

Russia advised the Sudanese military to use fake news and videos to portray demonstrators as anti-Islamic, pro-Israeli and pro-LGBT. The plan also suggested increasing the price of newsprint to make it harder for critics to get their message out and to discover “foreigners” at anti-government rallies.

Yevgeny Prigozhin, a St. Petersburg-based businessman and close associate of Putin, complained in a letter to Bashir before he was overthrown that the president was not following his advice.

Prigozhin, who was indicted by US special counsel Robert Mueller for operating a troll factory that ran an extensive social media campaign that favoured of Donald J. Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign, was according to the documents a key player in efforts to enhance Russian influence in Africa.

Prigozhin accused Bashir and his government of not being active enough and adopting an “extremely cautious position.”

If a visit this week to Sudan by foreign journalists at the invitation of the military to show them medical facilities that had allegedly been ransacked by protesters and demonstrate that hospitals that had been attacked by notorious paramilitary forces associated with Sudanese army were returning to normal, is anything to go by, Prigozhin’s criticism may have merit.

“It must have seemed like a good idea to somebody, although I cannot imagine why. The plan was to show us how terribly the protesters had behaved. If the world could see what they were really like they would understand that the regime had no choice but to send in the militia. Except from the moment we arrived at the first medical facility things started to go wrong,” said the BBC’s Africa editor, Fergal Keane.

To Keane, the omnipresence of paramilitaries of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) made the paramilitary headed by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo aka Hemedti, believed to be a Saudi and UAE favourite because his troops fought in Yemen and his reputation for ruthlessness, look “more like an army of occupation than an internal security force.”

Widely viewed as ambitious and power-hungry, General Dagalo resembles in the eyes of protesters Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, the autocratic general-turned-president who in 2013 staged a Saudi-UAE-backed military coup that toppled Egypt’s first and only democratically elected president.

Defending the UAE’s contacts with the military council, Emirati minister of state for foreign affairs Anwar Gargash said his country’s “credibility is our means to contribute to enhancing peaceful transition in a way that preserves the state and its institutions.”

Human Rights Watch this week called on the United Nations Security Council to halt the withdrawal of peacekeepers from Darfur, noting that the Rapid Support Forces “have a long track record of abuse. They carried out highly abusive counter-insurgency campaigns in Darfur, and the Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile regions over the past five years, in which they attacked villages, killed and raped civilians, and burned and looted homes.”

Witnesses outside a medical facility and a hospital that Keane visited countered the military’s tale, describing how troops stormed the buildings and looted and destroyed facilities. “The international community has to intervene. There is no peace here in Sudan. People are suffering a lot… I am frightened for my country," said a man as he drove by Omdurman Hospital.

The failed public relations tour, the crackdown, the Russian guidance and stalled talks between protesters and the military fits a Saudi-UAE promoted pattern that has evolved across the Middle East and North Africa since the 2011 popular Arab revolts. It’s a pattern that aims to defeat popular protest at whatever cost.

The Sudanese protest movement has emerged from the crackdown that doctors said killed at least 118 people and efforts to delegitimise it battered, divided and potentially weakened but still standing.

A general strike declared at the beginning of this week initially paralysed the capital Khartoum but within a day or two appeared to be weakening.

Ethiopian mediator Mahmoud Dirir said on Tuesday that the protesters had agreed to end the strike while the governing Transitional Military Council (TMC), headed by officers with close ties to Saudi Arabia and the UAE, was ready to release political prisoners, one of several key demands of the protesters.

Dirir said the two sides had also agreed to “soon” resume talks to resolve the crisis even if they were nowhere near narrowing differences of returning Sudan to civilian rule. It was not clear what soon meant.

“Negotiation - even if it happens soon - will circle back to the same issue: will the military cede power to a civilian government? Nothing about the generals' actions has indicated that this is an imminent possibility. The fear is that they will use any negotiations to try to divide the opposition while security pressure is maintained on the streets,” Keane said.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Russia has emerged as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates’ silent partner in assisting the Sudan military’s efforts to weaken, if not defeat, a months-long popular revolt that has already toppled president Omar al-Bashir.

Russia has emerged as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates’ silent partner in assisting the Sudan military’s efforts to weaken, if not defeat, a months-long popular revolt that has already toppled president Omar al-Bashir. Documents leaked to The Guardian and MHK Media, a Russian-language news website, by the London-based Dossier Centre, an investigative group funded by exiled Russian businessman Mikhail Khodorkovsky, disclosed Russia’s hitherto behind-the-scenes role in Sudan. Laying out plans to bolster Russia’s position across Africa by building relations with rulers, striking military deals, and grooming a new generation of leaders and undercover agents, the documents included details of a campaign to smear anti-government protesters in Sudan. The plan for the campaign appeared to have been copy-pasted from proposals to counter opposition in Russia to president Vladimir Putin with references to Russia mistakenly not having been replaced with Sudan in one document. Russia advised the Sudanese military to use fake news and videos to portray demonstrators as anti-Islamic, pro-Israeli and pro-LGBT. The plan also suggested increasing the price of newsprint to make it harder for critics to get their message out and to discover “foreigners” at anti-government rallies. Yevgeny Prigozhin, a St. Petersburg-based businessman and close associate of Putin, complained in a letter to Bashir before he was overthrown that the president was not following his advice. Prigozhin, who was indicted by US special counsel Robert Mueller for operating a troll factory that ran an extensive social media campaign that favoured of Donald J. Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign, was according to the documents a key player in efforts to enhance Russian influence in Africa. Prigozhin accused Bashir and his government of not being active enough and adopting an “extremely cautious position.” If a visit this week to Sudan by foreign journalists at the invitation of the military to show them medical facilities that had allegedly been ransacked by protesters and demonstrate that hospitals that had been attacked by notorious paramilitary forces associated with Sudanese army were returning to normal, is anything to go by, Prigozhin’s criticism may have merit. “It must have seemed like a good idea to somebody, although I cannot imagine why. The plan was to show us how terribly the protesters had behaved. If the world could see what they were really like they would understand that the regime had no choice but to send in the militia. Except from the moment we arrived at the first medical facility things started to go wrong,” said the BBC’s Africa editor, Fergal Keane. To Keane, the omnipresence of paramilitaries of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) made the paramilitary headed by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo aka Hemedti, believed to be a Saudi and UAE favourite because his troops fought in Yemen and his reputation for ruthlessness, look “more like an army of occupation than an internal security force.” Widely viewed as ambitious and power-hungry, General Dagalo resembles in the eyes of protesters Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, the autocratic general-turned-president who in 2013 staged a Saudi-UAE-backed military coup that toppled Egypt’s first and only democratically elected president. Defending the UAE’s contacts with the military council, Emirati minister of state for foreign affairs Anwar Gargash said his country’s “credibility is our means to contribute to enhancing peaceful transition in a way that preserves the state and its institutions.” Human Rights Watch this week called on the United Nations Security Council to halt the withdrawal of peacekeepers from Darfur, noting that the Rapid Support Forces “have a long track record of abuse. They carried out highly abusive counter-insurgency campaigns in Darfur, and the Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile regions over the past five years, in which they attacked villages, killed and raped civilians, and burned and looted homes.” Witnesses outside a medical facility and a hospital that Keane visited countered the military’s tale, describing how troops stormed the buildings and looted and destroyed facilities. “The international community has to intervene. There is no peace here in Sudan. People are suffering a lot… I am frightened for my country," said a man as he drove by Omdurman Hospital. The failed public relations tour, the crackdown, the Russian guidance and stalled talks between protesters and the military fits a Saudi-UAE promoted pattern that has evolved across the Middle East and North Africa since the 2011 popular Arab revolts. It’s a pattern that aims to defeat popular protest at whatever cost. The Sudanese protest movement has emerged from the crackdown that doctors said killed at least 118 people and efforts to delegitimise it battered, divided and potentially weakened but still standing. A general strike declared at the beginning of this week initially paralysed the capital Khartoum but within a day or two appeared to be weakening. Ethiopian mediator Mahmoud Dirir said on Tuesday that the protesters had agreed to end the strike while the governing Transitional Military Council (TMC), headed by officers with close ties to Saudi Arabia and the UAE, was ready to release political prisoners, one of several key demands of the protesters. Dirir said the two sides had also agreed to “soon” resume talks to resolve the crisis even if they were nowhere near narrowing differences of returning Sudan to civilian rule. It was not clear what soon meant. “Negotiation - even if it happens soon - will circle back to the same issue: will the military cede power to a civilian government? Nothing about the generals' actions has indicated that this is an imminent possibility. The fear is that they will use any negotiations to try to divide the opposition while security pressure is maintained on the streets,” Keane said. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Russia joins Gulf states in coaching Sudan military

Sudan's army rulers announced talks will resume with protest leaders Sunday, four days after the generals suspended negotiations on implementing the civilian rule in the country.

"The Transitional Military Council announces the resumption of negotiations with the Alliance for Freedom and Change on Sunday at the presidential palace," the ruling army council said in a Saturday statement.

World powers have urged the generals to resume meetings on Sudan's future leadership, following the ouster last month of longtime leader Omar al-Bashir after mass protest.

Representatives from the United Nations, African Union and European powers "called for an immediate resumption of talks", said Tibor Nagy, the US assistant secretary of state for Africa.

They called on both sides to "reach an agreement ASAP on an interim government that is truly civilian-led and reflects the will of the Sudanese people," Nagy tweeted Friday.

The generals and protest leaders had been expected to come to an agreement on Wednesday on the thorniest issue -- the make-up of a new body to govern Sudan for three years.

But that meeting never took place and on Thursday the head of the military council, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, confirmed talks were suspended for 72 hours.&nbsp;

Demonstrators subsequently spent hours meeting Burhan's demand to dismantle roadblocks which had paralysed parts of the capital.

The generals have allowed protesters to hold onto their sit-in outside Khartoum's army headquarters, where they remain camped out to demand a rapid transition to democracy.

Sudan's army rulers announced talks will resume with protest leaders Sunday, four days after the generals suspended negotiations on implementing the civilian rule in the country.

Sudan's army rulers announced talks will resume with protest leaders Sunday, four days after the generals suspended negotiations on implementing the civilian rule in the country. "The Transitional Military Council announces the resumption of negotiations with the Alliance for Freedom and Change on Sunday at the presidential palace," the ruling army council said in a Saturday statement. World powers have urged the generals to resume meetings on Sudan's future leadership, following the ouster last month of longtime leader Omar al-Bashir after mass protest. Representatives from the United Nations, African Union and European powers "called for an immediate resumption of talks", said Tibor Nagy, the US assistant secretary of state for Africa. They called on both sides to "reach an agreement ASAP on an interim government that is truly civilian-led and reflects the will of the Sudanese people," Nagy tweeted Friday. The generals and protest leaders had been expected to come to an agreement on Wednesday on the thorniest issue -- the make-up of a new body to govern Sudan for three years. But that meeting never took place and on Thursday the head of the military council, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, confirmed talks were suspended for 72 hours. Demonstrators subsequently spent hours meeting Burhan's demand to dismantle roadblocks which had paralysed parts of the capital. The generals have allowed protesters to hold onto their sit-in outside Khartoum's army headquarters, where they remain camped out to demand a rapid transition to democracy.

Sudan army rulers say talks with protesters to resume Sunday

Sudanese protesters Sunday welcomed a breakthrough in talks with army rulers who agreed to form a joint civilian-military council, paving the way for the civilian administration demanded by demonstrators.

Saturday's agreement would replace the existing 10-member military council that took power after the army ousted veteran leader Omar al-Bashir on April 11 amid massive protests.

"What happened yesterday is a step to have a civilian authority," said Mohamed Amin, one of thousands of demonstrators who have been camped for weeks outside the army headquarters.

"We are happy about the progress in the talks, but we are still waiting for the composition of the council and the civilian government."

The joint civilian-military council will be the overall ruling body, while a new transitional civilian government is expected to be formed to run the day-to-day affairs of the country, a key demand of protesters.

That civilian government will work towards having the first post-Bashir elections.

"When we have a civilian government, then we can say our country is on the right track," said Amin.

The demonstrators said they will pursue their sit-in until a civilian administration is set up.

"Last night's agreement is a step forward in the stability of our country. But I don't think we will leave the sit-in until we achieve our demand of a civilian government," said protester Sawsan Bashir.

Protest leader Ahmed al-Rabia confirmed to AFP the decision to form a joint council.

"We are now in consultation about what percentage of the council should be represented by civilians and how much by the military," said Rabia, who is involved in talks.

On Sunday, protest leaders from the Alliance for Freedom and Change met to discuss the progress of talks with the military council.

Later, the joint committee bringing together the military and protest leaders was expected to resume talks. &nbsp;

Lengthy talks

Activists say the new council could be a 15-member body, with eight civilians and seven army generals.

The decision to have a joint council came after hours of talks on Saturday, the first by a joint committee representing the current ruling military leadership and protesters.&nbsp;

Bashir was ousted by the army after months of protests against his three-decade rule.

Thousands of demonstrators, braving volleys of tear gas fired by security forces, reached the sprawling military headquarters on April 6, demanding that the army support those opposing Bashir.

Five days later, the army toppled Bashir and took power through the transitional military council.

Protest leaders had previously held several rounds of inconclusive talks with the council after Bashir was ousted.

The military council has so far insisted that it has assumed power for a two-year transitional period.

Western governments have expressed support for protesters' demands, but Sudan's key Gulf Arab lenders have backed the military council, while African states have called for more time for the army to hand over to civilians.

Buses bringing protesters kept arriving Saturday at the protest site, with hundreds of demonstrators coming from the eastern province of Kassala, an AFP photographer said.

Call to join ICC

As the joint committee met on Saturday, top opposition leader and former premier Sadiq al-Mahdi told reporters Sudan should "immediately" join the International Criminal Court.

Bashir is wanted by The Hague-based tribunal for genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity for his alleged role in the conflict in Darfur, but the 75-year-old has repeatedly denied the charges against him.

The war in Darfur erupted in 2003 when ethnic minority rebels took up arms against Khartoum's Arab-dominated government, accusing it of social and political marginalisation.

The United Nations says about 300,000 people have died in the conflict, with another 2.5 million displaced, many of them still living in miserable camps across the western region of the country.

Protest group spokesman Amjad Farid told reporters that Bashir and other regime figures could be tried in Sudan.

"We are not seeking retaliatory measures against them, but we want to rebuild our justice system to hold them accountable for their crimes," he said.

Mahdi, who was forced from office by Bashir in a 1989 coup, said the army's ouster of the veteran leader was "not a military coup".

But he warned that Bashir cronies were still clinging on to power despite the upheaval.&nbsp;

"The toppled regime might still try to do a coup," he said without elaborating.

Sudanese protesters Sunday welcomed a breakthrough in talks with army rulers who agreed to form a joint civilian-military council, paving the way for the civilian administration demanded by demonstrators.

Sudanese protesters Sunday welcomed a breakthrough in talks with army rulers who agreed to form a joint civilian-military council, paving the way for the civilian administration demanded by demonstrators. Saturday's agreement would replace the existing 10-member military council that took power after the army ousted veteran leader Omar al-Bashir on April 11 amid massive protests. "What happened yesterday is a step to have a civilian authority," said Mohamed Amin, one of thousands of demonstrators who have been camped for weeks outside the army headquarters. "We are happy about the progress in the talks, but we are still waiting for the composition of the council and the civilian government." The joint civilian-military council will be the overall ruling body, while a new transitional civilian government is expected to be formed to run the day-to-day affairs of the country, a key demand of protesters. That civilian government will work towards having the first post-Bashir elections. "When we have a civilian government, then we can say our country is on the right track," said Amin. The demonstrators said they will pursue their sit-in until a civilian administration is set up. "Last night's agreement is a step forward in the stability of our country. But I don't think we will leave the sit-in until we achieve our demand of a civilian government," said protester Sawsan Bashir. Protest leader Ahmed al-Rabia confirmed to AFP the decision to form a joint council. "We are now in consultation about what percentage of the council should be represented by civilians and how much by the military," said Rabia, who is involved in talks. On Sunday, protest leaders from the Alliance for Freedom and Change met to discuss the progress of talks with the military council. Later, the joint committee bringing together the military and protest leaders was expected to resume talks. Lengthy talks Activists say the new council could be a 15-member body, with eight civilians and seven army generals. The decision to have a joint council came after hours of talks on Saturday, the first by a joint committee representing the current ruling military leadership and protesters. Bashir was ousted by the army after months of protests against his three-decade rule. Thousands of demonstrators, braving volleys of tear gas fired by security forces, reached the sprawling military headquarters on April 6, demanding that the army support those opposing Bashir. Five days later, the army toppled Bashir and took power through the transitional military council. Protest leaders had previously held several rounds of inconclusive talks with the council after Bashir was ousted. The military council has so far insisted that it has assumed power for a two-year transitional period. Western governments have expressed support for protesters' demands, but Sudan's key Gulf Arab lenders have backed the military council, while African states have called for more time for the army to hand over to civilians. Buses bringing protesters kept arriving Saturday at the protest site, with hundreds of demonstrators coming from the eastern province of Kassala, an AFP photographer said. Call to join ICC As the joint committee met on Saturday, top opposition leader and former premier Sadiq al-Mahdi told reporters Sudan should "immediately" join the International Criminal Court. Bashir is wanted by The Hague-based tribunal for genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity for his alleged role in the conflict in Darfur, but the 75-year-old has repeatedly denied the charges against him. The war in Darfur erupted in 2003 when ethnic minority rebels took up arms against Khartoum's Arab-dominated government, accusing it of social and political marginalisation. The United Nations says about 300,000 people have died in the conflict, with another 2.5 million displaced, many of them still living in miserable camps across the western region of the country. Protest group spokesman Amjad Farid told reporters that Bashir and other regime figures could be tried in Sudan. "We are not seeking retaliatory measures against them, but we want to rebuild our justice system to hold them accountable for their crimes," he said. Mahdi, who was forced from office by Bashir in a 1989 coup, said the army's ouster of the veteran leader was "not a military coup". But he warned that Bashir cronies were still clinging on to power despite the upheaval. "The toppled regime might still try to do a coup," he said without elaborating.

Sudan protesters hail breakthrough in talks with army rulers

Huge crowds of protesters massed again Thursday outside Sudan's army headquarters, determined to seek civilian rule one week after the military ousted <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ex-sudan-president-omar-al-bashir-transferred-to-khartoum-prison-211122">veteran leader Omar al-Bashir</a>, an AFP photographer said.

Every road leading to the protest site was full of people as throngs of demonstrators converged outside the complex in central Khartoum.

Protesters chanting "power to civilians, power to civilians" and "freedom, peace, justice" marched from several areas of the city towards the complex, a witness said.

"It's extremely difficult to move closer to the protest site as there are hundreds and hundreds of people everywhere on roads leading to the complex," a witness said.

The sit-in outside the army headquarters has been the epicentre of the protests for almost two weeks, but numbers had dwindled there in the days since Bashir was toppled. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Thursday's rally was not convened by protest organisers who campaigned for four months against Bashir's iron-fisted rule, but was a result of widespread calls by activists and individual demonstrators on social media networks.

Huge crowds of protesters massed again Thursday outside Sudan's army headquarters, determined to seek civilian rule one week after the military ousted veteran leader Omar al-Bashir, an AFP photographer said.

Huge crowds of protesters massed again Thursday outside Sudan's army headquarters, determined to seek civilian rule one week after the military ousted veteran leader Omar al-Bashir, an AFP photographer said. Every road leading to the protest site was full of people as throngs of demonstrators converged outside the complex in central Khartoum. Protesters chanting "power to civilians, power to civilians" and "freedom, peace, justice" marched from several areas of the city towards the complex, a witness said. "It's extremely difficult to move closer to the protest site as there are hundreds and hundreds of people everywhere on roads leading to the complex," a witness said. The sit-in outside the army headquarters has been the epicentre of the protests for almost two weeks, but numbers had dwindled there in the days since Bashir was toppled. Thursday's rally was not convened by protest organisers who campaigned for four months against Bashir's iron-fisted rule, but was a result of widespread calls by activists and individual demonstrators on social media networks.

Huge protest crowds mass again outside Sudan army headquarters: Source

After decades of intense divisions, Sudan's political opposition united recently to form a powerful three-pronged bloc that became part of the protest wave which ousted autocrat <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/protesters-demand-dissolving-of-ruling-military-council-in-sudan-210698">Omar al-Bashir</a> last week.

During Bashir's politically repressive three-decade rule, Sudan had around 100 political parties. They ranged from Islamists to leftists and ran the gamut from ardent critics to regime loyalists.

A military transitional council is now set to rule the country for the next two years.

Veteran journalist Mahjoub Mohamed Saleh, 91, mapped out the political trajectories of the burgeoning opposition movement for AFP.

Who is the Sudanese opposition?

"The opposition in Sudan now is made up of the (Paris-based) Nidaa Sudan, the National Consensus Forces and the Sudanese Professionals Association," said Saleh, who was imprisoned several times during Bashir's reign.

Collectively, the tripartite bloc is known as the Alliance for Freedom and Change.

Nidaa Sudan includes the Umma Party, the Sudanese Congress Party as well as armed movements such as the Sudan People's Liberation Movement.

The Umma Party is led by Oxford-educated Sadiq al-Mahdi, who was prime minister twice during the 1960s and 1980s and was ousted by Bashir's 1989 coup.

He returned to Sudan this year after a year of self-imposed exile in Cairo.

Meanwhile, the "more radical" Sudanese Communist Party and the Baath Party alongside other leftist gatherings form the National Consensus Forces.

Lastly, the Sudanese Professionals Association (SPA) is comprised of small political cadres mostly staffed by young, urban people counting academics, doctors and engineers among their ranks.

They have been the driving force behind mobilising thousands of demonstrators through their savvy and active social media usage to protest against Bashir since December 18.

The SPA has called on the transitional military council to immediately "hand over power" to a civilian administration and urged demonstrators to continue with their sit-ins.

How strong is the opposition now?

Protesters have been camped for several weeks in front of important government buildings throughout the country.

Saleh says the opposition bloc has been the most consistent and well-organised in agitating for tangible political change.

"For four months, these people were not afraid to put their bodies on the line," he said.

Over 30 protesters have been killed in clashes with security forces since the uprising erupted.

The bloc has urged the forthcoming transitional government to arrest Bashir and a coterie of political elite figures who have been in power since the 1989 coup.

These include the powerful security and intelligence chiefs and leaders of Bashir's National Congress Party.

"All the various parties that make up the opposition are now going to unite, sort out their differences and learn from their previous mistakes at this crucial time," he added.

"But when things return to their natural state, political squabbles and factional in-fighting will ultimately emerge."

What about the Islamists and the diaspora?

"Islamists will not disappear from the scene but will not be as influential, especially with the end of the National Congress Party," the renowned journalist noted.

He told AFP that other Islamist alternatives opposing NCP policies have been a mainstay of Sudanese politics and that they will continue to survive in some form or another.

The most prominent Islamist movement which still has a massive following is the Popular Congress Party, headed by hardline ideological figure Hassan al-Turabi.

With the opposition in the diaspora -- particularly in London and Paris where exiles have been politically active -- Saleh sees them as playing a pivotal role in the future.

Around five million Sudanese live overseas, mostly across the Middle East, Europe and North America.

"All of these opposition movements have their followers overseas ... They represent a mass of human resources that can be drawn upon when it comes to forming a civilian government," Saleh said.

After decades of intense divisions, Sudan's political opposition united recently to form a powerful three-pronged bloc that became part of the protest wave which ousted autocrat Omar al-Bashir last week.

After decades of intense divisions, Sudan's political opposition united recently to form a powerful three-pronged bloc that became part of the protest wave which ousted autocrat Omar al-Bashir last week. During Bashir's politically repressive three-decade rule, Sudan had around 100 political parties. They ranged from Islamists to leftists and ran the gamut from ardent critics to regime loyalists. A military transitional council is now set to rule the country for the next two years. Veteran journalist Mahjoub Mohamed Saleh, 91, mapped out the political trajectories of the burgeoning opposition movement for AFP. Who is the Sudanese opposition? "The opposition in Sudan now is made up of the (Paris-based) Nidaa Sudan, the National Consensus Forces and the Sudanese Professionals Association," said Saleh, who was imprisoned several times during Bashir's reign. Collectively, the tripartite bloc is known as the Alliance for Freedom and Change. Nidaa Sudan includes the Umma Party, the Sudanese Congress Party as well as armed movements such as the Sudan People's Liberation Movement. The Umma Party is led by Oxford-educated Sadiq al-Mahdi, who was prime minister twice during the 1960s and 1980s and was ousted by Bashir's 1989 coup. He returned to Sudan this year after a year of self-imposed exile in Cairo. Meanwhile, the "more radical" Sudanese Communist Party and the Baath Party alongside other leftist gatherings form the National Consensus Forces. Lastly, the Sudanese Professionals Association (SPA) is comprised of small political cadres mostly staffed by young, urban people counting academics, doctors and engineers among their ranks. They have been the driving force behind mobilising thousands of demonstrators through their savvy and active social media usage to protest against Bashir since December 18. The SPA has called on the transitional military council to immediately "hand over power" to a civilian administration and urged demonstrators to continue with their sit-ins. How strong is the opposition now? Protesters have been camped for several weeks in front of important government buildings throughout the country. Saleh says the opposition bloc has been the most consistent and well-organised in agitating for tangible political change. "For four months, these people were not afraid to put their bodies on the line," he said. Over 30 protesters have been killed in clashes with security forces since the uprising erupted. The bloc has urged the forthcoming transitional government to arrest Bashir and a coterie of political elite figures who have been in power since the 1989 coup. These include the powerful security and intelligence chiefs and leaders of Bashir's National Congress Party. "All the various parties that make up the opposition are now going to unite, sort out their differences and learn from their previous mistakes at this crucial time," he added. "But when things return to their natural state, political squabbles and factional in-fighting will ultimately emerge." What about the Islamists and the diaspora? "Islamists will not disappear from the scene but will not be as influential, especially with the end of the National Congress Party," the renowned journalist noted. He told AFP that other Islamist alternatives opposing NCP policies have been a mainstay of Sudanese politics and that they will continue to survive in some form or another. The most prominent Islamist movement which still has a massive following is the Popular Congress Party, headed by hardline ideological figure Hassan al-Turabi. With the opposition in the diaspora -- particularly in London and Paris where exiles have been politically active -- Saleh sees them as playing a pivotal role in the future. Around five million Sudanese live overseas, mostly across the Middle East, Europe and North America. "All of these opposition movements have their followers overseas ... They represent a mass of human resources that can be drawn upon when it comes to forming a civilian government," Saleh said.

Sudan's disparate opposition comes together post Bashir

Sudan protest continues, demands Army to handover power to civilian govt. Watch complete video to know more.

Sudan protest continues, demands Army to handover power to civilian govt

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