A recent paramilitary drone attack on the army-held town of Kalogi in Sudan's South Kordofan state hit a kindergarten and a hospital, killing dozens of civilians including children, a local official told AFP on Sunday. The attack, which took place on Thursday, involved three strikes, "first a kindergarten, then a hospital and a third time as people tried to rescue the children", Essam al-Din al-Sayed, head of the Kalogi administrative unit, told AFP using a Starlink satellite internet connection.&nbsp;He blamed the assault on the Rapid Support Forces and their ally, the Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North faction (SPLM-N) led by Abdelaziz al-Hilu, which controls much of South Kordofan and parts of Blue Nile state.Since April 2023, the army and the paramilitary RSF have been locked in a conflict that has killed tens of thousands and displaced nearly 12 million.&nbsp;Independent verification in Kordofan remains difficult due to spotty communications, restricted access and ongoing insecurity.&nbsp;&nbsp;The UN children's agency said the attack killed more than 10 children aged between five and seven, while the army-aligned foreign ministry put the overall death toll at 79, including 43 children. "Killing children in their school is a horrific violation of children's rights," UNICEF Representative for Sudan Sheldon Yett, said in a statement on Friday, urging all sides to stop their attacks and allow humanitarian aid.&nbsp;Following their late-October capture of El-Fasher -- the army's last stronghold in western Sudan -- the RSF has pushed eastward into the oil-rich Kordofan region, divided into three states. Reports of mass killings, sexual violence, looting and abductions followed El-Fasher's fall.&nbsp;UN Human Rights commissioner Volker Turk said on Thursday he "feared another wave of atrocities in Sudan amid a surge in fierce fighting" in Kordofan. "It is truly shocking to see history repeating itself in Kordofan so soon after the horrific events in El Fasher."&nbsp;Since the RSF captured the North Kordofan city of Bara on October 25, the UN said it had documented at least 269 civilians killed by aerial strikes, artillery shelling or in summary executions.A drone strike by the army in Kauda -- the SPLM-N faction stronghold in South Kordofan -- killed at least 48 people last week, according to the UN.&nbsp;More than 40,000 people have fled Kordofan in the past month, according to the UN. Analysts say the RSF offensive aims to break the army's final defensive arc around central Sudan and set the stage for attempts to retake major cities, including the capital Khartoum.&nbsp;Thursday's attack in Kalogi came as the army and the RSF traded accusations over a series of drone attacks across the country. On Friday, the RSF accused the army of carrying out a drone strike on the Adre border crossing with Chad, a key humanitarian and commercial route, alleging that the army wanted to block aid.The military has not commented on that allegation.&nbsp;Local sources, speaking anonymously to AFP because they were not authorised to brief the media, attributed an explosion at Adre on Friday to transport vehicles catching fire after a petrol canister detonated. Satellite imagery and fire monitoring data, verified by AFP, showed no visible signs of smoke or fire in Adre on Thursday or Friday.The army has accused the United Arab Emirates of supplying the RSF through Chad, accusations that UN experts have described as credible. Abu Dhabi has always denied providing support to the RSF.&nbsp;In North Darfur, the World Food Programme also reported an attack last Thursday on one of its trucks near the town of Hamra El-Sheikh. The truck, part of a 39-vehicle convoy delivering food to families displaced from El-Fasher to Tawila, about 70 kilometres west, had its cabin destroyed while the driver was seriously injured, the WFP said.

The UN children's agency said the attack killed more than 10 children aged between five and seven, while the army-aligned foreign ministry put the overall death toll at 79, including 43 children

A recent paramilitary drone attack on the army-held town of Kalogi in Sudan's South Kordofan state hit a kindergarten and a hospital, killing dozens of civilians including children, a local official told AFP on Sunday. The attack, which took place on Thursday, involved three strikes, "first a kindergarten, then a hospital and a third time as people tried to rescue the children", Essam al-Din al-Sayed, head of the Kalogi administrative unit, told AFP using a Starlink satellite internet connection. He blamed the assault on the Rapid Support Forces and their ally, the Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North faction (SPLM-N) led by Abdelaziz al-Hilu, which controls much of South Kordofan and parts of Blue Nile state. Since April 2023, the army and the paramilitary RSF have been locked in a conflict that has killed tens of thousands and displaced nearly 12 million. Independent verification in Kordofan remains difficult due to spotty communications, restricted access and ongoing insecurity. The UN children's agency said the attack killed more than 10 children aged between five and seven, while the army-aligned foreign ministry put the overall death toll at 79, including 43 children. "Killing children in their school is a horrific violation of children's rights," UNICEF Representative for Sudan Sheldon Yett, said in a statement on Friday, urging all sides to stop their attacks and allow humanitarian aid. Following their late-October capture of El-Fasher -- the army's last stronghold in western Sudan -- the RSF has pushed eastward into the oil-rich Kordofan region, divided into three states. Reports of mass killings, sexual violence, looting and abductions followed El-Fasher's fall. UN Human Rights commissioner Volker Turk said on Thursday he "feared another wave of atrocities in Sudan amid a surge in fierce fighting" in Kordofan. "It is truly shocking to see history repeating itself in Kordofan so soon after the horrific events in El Fasher." Since the RSF captured the North Kordofan city of Bara on October 25, the UN said it had documented at least 269 civilians killed by aerial strikes, artillery shelling or in summary executions. A drone strike by the army in Kauda -- the SPLM-N faction stronghold in South Kordofan -- killed at least 48 people last week, according to the UN. More than 40,000 people have fled Kordofan in the past month, according to the UN. Analysts say the RSF offensive aims to break the army's final defensive arc around central Sudan and set the stage for attempts to retake major cities, including the capital Khartoum. Thursday's attack in Kalogi came as the army and the RSF traded accusations over a series of drone attacks across the country. On Friday, the RSF accused the army of carrying out a drone strike on the Adre border crossing with Chad, a key humanitarian and commercial route, alleging that the army wanted to block aid. The military has not commented on that allegation. Local sources, speaking anonymously to AFP because they were not authorised to brief the media, attributed an explosion at Adre on Friday to transport vehicles catching fire after a petrol canister detonated. Satellite imagery and fire monitoring data, verified by AFP, showed no visible signs of smoke or fire in Adre on Thursday or Friday. The army has accused the United Arab Emirates of supplying the RSF through Chad, accusations that UN experts have described as credible. Abu Dhabi has always denied providing support to the RSF. In North Darfur, the World Food Programme also reported an attack last Thursday on one of its trucks near the town of Hamra El-Sheikh. The truck, part of a 39-vehicle convoy delivering food to families displaced from El-Fasher to Tawila, about 70 kilometres west, had its cabin destroyed while the driver was seriously injured, the WFP said.

The UN children's agency said the attack killed more than 10 children aged between five and seven, while the army-aligned foreign ministry put the overall death toll at 79, including 43 children

Sudan drone strikes kill dozens as kindergarten and hospital hit

&nbsp;Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces on Monday announced a unilateral three-month ceasefire a day after the army dismissed a US truce proposal from international mediators.The RSF, which has been fighting Sudan's regular army since April 2023, said it was declaring the ceasefire "in response to international efforts, including the initiative of US President Donald Trump and the Quad mediators".The Quad group comprises the United States, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt.The RSF move came after the UAE lambasted army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan for rejecting the US truce proposal and accusing Washington of echoing Emirati positions on the conflict.The UAE has been widely accused of arming the RSF, but Abu Dhabi has repeatedly denied the charge.On Monday, the RSF announced "a humanitarian truce providing for a cessation of hostilities for three months".The announcement was made in a recorded video message by Burhan's former deputy and now bitter rival, RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo.On Sunday, Burhan called a truce proposal sent by US envoy Massad Boulos on behalf of the Quad group of mediators the "worst yet" and unacceptable to his government, which is based in Port Sudan on the Red Sea.The army chief called the Quad group "biased" as long as the UAE was a member, and accused Boulos of parroting talking points from Abu Dhabi.On Monday, the UAE's minister of state for international cooperation, Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, lambasted Burhan for demonstrating "consistently obstructive behaviour"."This must be called out," Hashimy said.Rejecting the US plan, Burhan said the proposal "eliminates the armed forces, dissolves security agencies and keeps the militia where they are".Civilian ruleOn November 6, the RSF announced they had agreed to a proposal for a humanitarian truce put forward by the international mediators.The army-aligned government had rejected an earlier plan in September that would exclude both the military and the RSF from Sudan's post-war political process.That proposal included a three-month humanitarian truce, followed by a permanent ceasefire and a nine-month transition to civilian rule.Last week, Trump said he would move to end the Sudan war, after Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman urged him during a visit to Washington to get involved.Burhan thanked the two leaders for what he called their "honest" initiative, but urged mediators to "come with a positive and proper approach".Among the general's criticisms of the US proposal were claims that it "eliminates the armed forces, dissolves security agencies and keeps the militias where they are" without disarming them.Reiterating that the conflict was "a war for survival", he insisted that any peace agreement must compel the RSF to withdraw fully from captured territory and be confined to designated zones.Burhan also attacked repeated claims by Daglo that the army is controlled by the Islamist Muslim Brotherhood."Where are these so-called members of the Muslim Brotherhood within the Sudanese army? We do not know them. We only hear such claims in the media," Burhan said.Daglo on Monday said the RSF was open to talks with "all actors except for the terrorist Islamist movement of the Muslim Brotherhood and the National Congress", the now-banned party of former Sudanese leader Omar al-Bashir.Daglo worked for years for Bashir before allying with Burhan to overthrow him in 2019 as part of Sudan's revolution. The pair then snuffed out Sudan's fledgling civilian government.International attention on the conflict has increased since the RSF seized the key Darfur city of El-Fasher last month after a relentless siege that has sparked warnings of crimes against humanity and genocide.Over the past two years, the warring parties in Sudan have violated every ceasefire agreement, with negotiations to halt the war yet to make any breakthroughs.bur-srm/dcp

The RSF move came after the UAE lambasted army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan for rejecting the US truce proposal and accusing Washington of echoing Emirati positions on the conflict.

Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces on Monday announced a unilateral three-month ceasefire a day after the army dismissed a US truce proposal from international mediators. The RSF, which has been fighting Sudan's regular army since April 2023, said it was declaring the ceasefire "in response to international efforts, including the initiative of US President Donald Trump and the Quad mediators". The Quad group comprises the United States, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt. The RSF move came after the UAE lambasted army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan for rejecting the US truce proposal and accusing Washington of echoing Emirati positions on the conflict. The UAE has been widely accused of arming the RSF, but Abu Dhabi has repeatedly denied the charge. On Monday, the RSF announced "a humanitarian truce providing for a cessation of hostilities for three months". The announcement was made in a recorded video message by Burhan's former deputy and now bitter rival, RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo. On Sunday, Burhan called a truce proposal sent by US envoy Massad Boulos on behalf of the Quad group of mediators the "worst yet" and unacceptable to his government, which is based in Port Sudan on the Red Sea. The army chief called the Quad group "biased" as long as the UAE was a member, and accused Boulos of parroting talking points from Abu Dhabi. On Monday, the UAE's minister of state for international cooperation, Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, lambasted Burhan for demonstrating "consistently obstructive behaviour". "This must be called out," Hashimy said. Rejecting the US plan, Burhan said the proposal "eliminates the armed forces, dissolves security agencies and keeps the militia where they are". Civilian rule On November 6, the RSF announced they had agreed to a proposal for a humanitarian truce put forward by the international mediators. The army-aligned government had rejected an earlier plan in September that would exclude both the military and the RSF from Sudan's post-war political process. That proposal included a three-month humanitarian truce, followed by a permanent ceasefire and a nine-month transition to civilian rule. Last week, Trump said he would move to end the Sudan war, after Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman urged him during a visit to Washington to get involved. Burhan thanked the two leaders for what he called their "honest" initiative, but urged mediators to "come with a positive and proper approach". Among the general's criticisms of the US proposal were claims that it "eliminates the armed forces, dissolves security agencies and keeps the militias where they are" without disarming them. Reiterating that the conflict was "a war for survival", he insisted that any peace agreement must compel the RSF to withdraw fully from captured territory and be confined to designated zones. Burhan also attacked repeated claims by Daglo that the army is controlled by the Islamist Muslim Brotherhood. "Where are these so-called members of the Muslim Brotherhood within the Sudanese army? We do not know them. We only hear such claims in the media," Burhan said. Daglo on Monday said the RSF was open to talks with "all actors except for the terrorist Islamist movement of the Muslim Brotherhood and the National Congress", the now-banned party of former Sudanese leader Omar al-Bashir. Daglo worked for years for Bashir before allying with Burhan to overthrow him in 2019 as part of Sudan's revolution. The pair then snuffed out Sudan's fledgling civilian government. International attention on the conflict has increased since the RSF seized the key Darfur city of El-Fasher last month after a relentless siege that has sparked warnings of crimes against humanity and genocide. Over the past two years, the warring parties in Sudan have violated every ceasefire agreement, with negotiations to halt the war yet to make any breakthroughs. bur-srm/dcp

The RSF move came after the UAE lambasted army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan for rejecting the US truce proposal and accusing Washington of echoing Emirati positions on the conflict.

After army rejectes US truce proposal, Sudan's RSF declares temporary peace

A&nbsp;Sudanese&nbsp;man&nbsp;was shot dead Sunday as security forces cracked down&nbsp;on&nbsp;rallies against last year's military coup, medics said, as a&nbsp;UN&nbsp;rights&nbsp;expert&nbsp;arrived in the country.

Regular&nbsp;protests&nbsp;have rocked the northeast African country since army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan led a military takeover in October, sparking international condemnation.

United Nations human rights&nbsp;expert&nbsp;Adama Dieng is visiting Sudan until Thursday,&nbsp;on&nbsp;a trip initially planned for last month but postponed at the request of&nbsp;Sudanese&nbsp;authorities.

A 51-year-old&nbsp;man&nbsp;was hit Sunday with "a live bullet to the chest", the&nbsp;Sudanese&nbsp;Doctors' Committee said, bringing the death toll in a&nbsp;crackdown&nbsp;on&nbsp;anti-coup&nbsp;protests&nbsp;to 82.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-human-rights-chief-can-visit-xinjiang-but-beijing-doesnt-welcome-any-probe-says-chinas-foreign-minister-454717">UN human rights chief can visit Xinjiang but Beijing doesn't welcome any probe, says China's foreign minister</a>

"The martyr was a patient at a hospital in Khartoum North... and went out to get some air after struggling with shortness of breath due to the heavy firing of tear gas which filled the hospital ward," the committee said, adding that he was then shot dead.&nbsp;

Thousands had rallied in the capital Khartoum&nbsp;on&nbsp;Sunday, carrying&nbsp;Sudanese&nbsp;flags and posters of others&nbsp;killed&nbsp;during demonstrations in recent months, an AFP correspondent said.&nbsp;

Security forces fired tear gas and wounded several protesters who were heading toward the presidential palace, the correspondent said, while tear gas was also used in nearby Omdurman and North Khartoum.&nbsp;

"We are ready to protest all year," one demonstrator, 24-year-old Thoyaba Ahmed, told AFP, while another, Wadah Khaled, said: "We want to rectify our country's situation to have a good future."&nbsp;&nbsp;

"We need to make sacrifices to resolve the country's issues," said 25-year-old Arij Salah, another demonstrator.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudan-license-of-al-jazeera-live-tv-unit-revoked-445226">Sudan: License of Al Jazeera live TV unit revoked</a>

The October takeover derailed a transition painstakingly negotiated between military and civilian leaders following the 2019 ouster of President Omar al-Bashir.

While Sudan has repeatedly denied opening fire&nbsp;on&nbsp;protesters, Human Rights Watch has quoted witnesses detailing how the security forces have used both "live ammunition" and fired tear gas canisters "directly" at crowds, a tactic that can be deadly at close quarters.

UN&nbsp;special representative Volker Perthes said&nbsp;on&nbsp;Twitter Sunday that he met with rights expert Dieng on "his first official visit" to Sudan.&nbsp;

"Dieng will meet with senior&nbsp;Sudanese&nbsp;government officials, representatives of civil society organisations, human rights defenders, heads of&nbsp;UN&nbsp;entities, and diplomats," the&nbsp;UN&nbsp;Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights said in a statement this week.&nbsp;

Separately, dozens rallied outside a court complex in Khartoum to protest against the trial of several Bashir-era figures, an AFP correspondent said.&nbsp;

Among those&nbsp;on&nbsp;trial is former foreign minister Ibrahim Ghandour, who faces charges over plotting a coup in 2020.&nbsp;

Ghandour's family said last month that he had begun a hunger strike in prison, along with several ex-regime officials.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Sudan rocked by regular protests, thousands rally in capital Khartoum

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sudan-rocked-by-regular-protests-thousands-rally-in-capital-khartoum-454932/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

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A Sudanese man was shot dead Sunday as security forces cracked down on rallies against last year's military coup, medics said, as a UN rights expert arrived in the country.

A Sudanese man was shot dead Sunday as security forces cracked down on rallies against last year's military coup, medics said, as a UN rights expert arrived in the country. Regular protests have rocked the northeast African country since army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan led a military takeover in October, sparking international condemnation. United Nations human rights expert Adama Dieng is visiting Sudan until Thursday, on a trip initially planned for last month but postponed at the request of Sudanese authorities. A 51-year-old man was hit Sunday with "a live bullet to the chest", the Sudanese Doctors' Committee said, bringing the death toll in a crackdown on anti-coup protests to 82. Also read | UN human rights chief can visit Xinjiang but Beijing doesn't welcome any probe, says China's foreign minister "The martyr was a patient at a hospital in Khartoum North... and went out to get some air after struggling with shortness of breath due to the heavy firing of tear gas which filled the hospital ward," the committee said, adding that he was then shot dead. Thousands had rallied in the capital Khartoum on Sunday, carrying Sudanese flags and posters of others killed during demonstrations in recent months, an AFP correspondent said. Security forces fired tear gas and wounded several protesters who were heading toward the presidential palace, the correspondent said, while tear gas was also used in nearby Omdurman and North Khartoum. "We are ready to protest all year," one demonstrator, 24-year-old Thoyaba Ahmed, told AFP, while another, Wadah Khaled, said: "We want to rectify our country's situation to have a good future." "We need to make sacrifices to resolve the country's issues," said 25-year-old Arij Salah, another demonstrator. Also read | Sudan: License of Al Jazeera live TV unit revoked The October takeover derailed a transition painstakingly negotiated between military and civilian leaders following the 2019 ouster of President Omar al-Bashir. While Sudan has repeatedly denied opening fire on protesters, Human Rights Watch has quoted witnesses detailing how the security forces have used both "live ammunition" and fired tear gas canisters "directly" at crowds, a tactic that can be deadly at close quarters. UN special representative Volker Perthes said on Twitter Sunday that he met with rights expert Dieng on "his first official visit" to Sudan. "Dieng will meet with senior Sudanese government officials, representatives of civil society organisations, human rights defenders, heads of UN entities, and diplomats," the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights said in a statement this week. Separately, dozens rallied outside a court complex in Khartoum to protest against the trial of several Bashir-era figures, an AFP correspondent said. Among those on trial is former foreign minister Ibrahim Ghandour, who faces charges over plotting a coup in 2020. Ghandour's family said last month that he had begun a hunger strike in prison, along with several ex-regime officials. Watch | Sudan rocked by regular protests, thousands rally in capital Khartoum

Sudanese man killed in crackdown on anti-coup protests as UN expert arrives

Hundreds of people marched on the streets of Sudan's capital Khartoum. They're demanding a transition into civilian rule, and this has come despite the high-security deployment.

Sudan: Protesters march to Presidential palace to demand a transition into the civilian rule

Sudanese security forces killed at least five demonstrators Saturday in a crackdown on anti-coup protests, medics said, after the military tightened its grip by forming a new ruling council.

Thousands hit the streets in cities across Sudan

Protesters in Sudan are demanding the resignation of the interim government.

Sudan Crisis: Anti-govt protest enters fifth day

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

Sudan: Sudanese demand civilian-led transition to democracy

Rights group Amnesty International Friday called for justice for those killed during months of protests that rocked Sudan, insisting that demonstrators had faced "disproportionate and unnecessary" violence.

Sudan has experienced unprecedentedly large rallies since December, first against now-ousted leader Omar al-Bashir and later against the generals who seized power after overthrowing him.

The protest movement says that more than 250 demonstrators were killed in the violence, including at least 127 in a crackdown on a sit-in during early June outside military headquarters in Khartoum.

"Amnesty International thanks the people of Sudan for showing us courage, for showing us resilience and for showing that we can resist injustice and violation of human rights," Amnesty International Secretary General Kumi Naidoo told reporters during a visit to Khartoum, in the first such trip by the rights group's chief to Sudan.

He said the demonstrators were confronted by "disproportionate use of violence, unnecessary use of violence and provocative use of violence".

"Amnesty International will back the Sudanese people in calling on the new government to ensure that there is absolute accountability and justice" for the families of those killed.

Protests first erupted in December against the then government's decision to triple the price of bread.

They swiftly escalated into a nationwide campaign against Bashir's ironfisted three decade rule.

The army ousted Bashir on April 11 but protesters continued their street campaign, switching it against the military council that overthrow him.

In August, Sudan embarked on a transition to civilian rule thanks to a power-sharing deal signed between protest leaders and the generals, and a joint civilian-military ruling body was sworn in.

On Sunday, an 18-member cabinet was sworn in, the first since the ouster of Bashir.

&nbsp;

Rights group Amnesty International Friday called for justice for those killed during months of protests that rocked Sudan, insisting that demonstrators had faced "disproportionate and unnecessary" violence.

Rights group Amnesty International Friday called for justice for those killed during months of protests that rocked Sudan, insisting that demonstrators had faced "disproportionate and unnecessary" violence. Sudan has experienced unprecedentedly large rallies since December, first against now-ousted leader Omar al-Bashir and later against the generals who seized power after overthrowing him. The protest movement says that more than 250 demonstrators were killed in the violence, including at least 127 in a crackdown on a sit-in during early June outside military headquarters in Khartoum. "Amnesty International thanks the people of Sudan for showing us courage, for showing us resilience and for showing that we can resist injustice and violation of human rights," Amnesty International Secretary General Kumi Naidoo told reporters during a visit to Khartoum, in the first such trip by the rights group's chief to Sudan. He said the demonstrators were confronted by "disproportionate use of violence, unnecessary use of violence and provocative use of violence". "Amnesty International will back the Sudanese people in calling on the new government to ensure that there is absolute accountability and justice" for the families of those killed. Protests first erupted in December against the then government's decision to triple the price of bread. They swiftly escalated into a nationwide campaign against Bashir's ironfisted three decade rule. The army ousted Bashir on April 11 but protesters continued their street campaign, switching it against the military council that overthrow him. In August, Sudan embarked on a transition to civilian rule thanks to a power-sharing deal signed between protest leaders and the generals, and a joint civilian-military ruling body was sworn in. On Sunday, an 18-member cabinet was sworn in, the first since the ouster of Bashir.

Amnesty wants justice for victims of Sudan protests

Sudan's first cabinet since the ouster of president Omar al-Bashir was sworn in Sunday as the African country transitions to a civilian rule following nationwide protests that overthrew the autocrat.

The 18-member cabinet led by Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, which includes four women, took oath at the presidential palace in Khartoum, an AFP correspondent reported.

It is expected to steer the daily affairs of the country during a transition period of 39 months.

The line-up was formed after Sudan last month swore in a "sovereign council" -- a joint civilian-military ruling body that aims to oversee the transition.

The 18 ministers were seen greeting members of the sovereign council, including its chief General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, in images broadcast by state television from the palace.

"We have to put in a lot of efforts to meet our people's demands," Information Minister Faisal Mohamed Saleh told reporters after the swearing in ceremony.

"The world is watching us. It is waiting to see how we can solve our issues."

The sovereign council itself is the result of a power-sharing deal between the protesters and generals who had seized power after the army ousted Bashir in April.

Hamdok's cabinet, which has the country's first female foreign affairs minister, is expected to lead Sudan through formidable challenges that also include ending internal conflicts in three regions.

Rebel groups from marginalised regions of Darfur, Blue Nile and South Kordofan states had waged long wars against Bashir's forces.

"The road ahead is not easy. We will face many challenges but we have to work on them," said Walaa Issam, Minister for youth and sports.&nbsp;

Sudan's power-sharing deal aims to forge peace with armed groups.

Hamdok's cabinet will also be expected to fight corruption and dismantle the long-entrenched Islamist deep state created under Bashir.

Bashir had seized power in an Islamist-backed coup in 1989 and ruled Sudan with an iron fist for three decades until his ouster.

It was a worsening economic crisis that triggered the fall of Bashir, who is now on trial on charges of illegal acquisition and use of foreign funds.&nbsp;

According to doctors linked to the umbrella protest movement that led to Bashir's fall, more than 250 people have been killed in protest-related violence since December.

Of that at least 127 were killed in early June during a brutal crackdown on a weeks-long protest sit-in outside the military headquarters in Khartoum. Officials have given a lower death toll.

Sudan's first cabinet since the ouster of president Omar al-Bashir was sworn in Sunday as the African country transitions to a civilian rule following nationwide protests that overthrew the autocrat.

Sudan's first cabinet since the ouster of president Omar al-Bashir was sworn in Sunday as the African country transitions to a civilian rule following nationwide protests that overthrew the autocrat. The 18-member cabinet led by Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, which includes four women, took oath at the presidential palace in Khartoum, an AFP correspondent reported. It is expected to steer the daily affairs of the country during a transition period of 39 months. The line-up was formed after Sudan last month swore in a "sovereign council" -- a joint civilian-military ruling body that aims to oversee the transition. The 18 ministers were seen greeting members of the sovereign council, including its chief General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, in images broadcast by state television from the palace. "We have to put in a lot of efforts to meet our people's demands," Information Minister Faisal Mohamed Saleh told reporters after the swearing in ceremony. "The world is watching us. It is waiting to see how we can solve our issues." The sovereign council itself is the result of a power-sharing deal between the protesters and generals who had seized power after the army ousted Bashir in April. Hamdok's cabinet, which has the country's first female foreign affairs minister, is expected to lead Sudan through formidable challenges that also include ending internal conflicts in three regions. Rebel groups from marginalised regions of Darfur, Blue Nile and South Kordofan states had waged long wars against Bashir's forces. "The road ahead is not easy. We will face many challenges but we have to work on them," said Walaa Issam, Minister for youth and sports. Sudan's power-sharing deal aims to forge peace with armed groups. Hamdok's cabinet will also be expected to fight corruption and dismantle the long-entrenched Islamist deep state created under Bashir. Bashir had seized power in an Islamist-backed coup in 1989 and ruled Sudan with an iron fist for three decades until his ouster. It was a worsening economic crisis that triggered the fall of Bashir, who is now on trial on charges of illegal acquisition and use of foreign funds. According to doctors linked to the umbrella protest movement that led to Bashir's fall, more than 250 people have been killed in protest-related violence since December. Of that at least 127 were killed in early June during a brutal crackdown on a weeks-long protest sit-in outside the military headquarters in Khartoum. Officials have given a lower death toll.

Sudan's first post-Bashir cabinet sworn in

Sudan's deposed longtime president Omar al-Bashir appeared in court Saturday for the second hearing of his corruption trial, during which his defence asked for his release on bail.

Bashir, wearing a traditional white gown, sat in the same metal cage he appeared in Monday when his trial on graft charges opened.

In the first hearing, an investigator said Bashir had admitted to receiving at least $90 million in cash from Saudi royals in recent years.

The judge in Khartoum on Saturday heard three witnesses, two of them investigators who searched Bashir's residence after his ouster and the other a banker.

"We ask the court to release the accused on bail," Bashir's lawyer Hashem Abu Bakr said, to which the judge answered he would examine a written request.

After the hearing, as a massive security convoy escorted the 75-year-old Bashir back to prison, two opposing groups of demonstrators staged protests.

One group of a few dozen protesters chanted slogans for Bashir to face justice not just over corruption but for his role in the country's deadly conflicts.

"Bashir is a killer" and "He has to face justice", they chanted.

Rival protests

"Bashir has committed a number of crimes that he should be prosecuted for as a priority, not for these sums of money," said one demonstrator who gave his name as Yasser Mohamed.

Another smaller group turned out in support of the deposed Islamist leader, who was forced from power by relentless protests in April after 30 years in power.

"We came here to support the legitimate president of the country," said Abdel Rahman Omar, one of the pro-Bashir demonstrators.

While the sight of Bashir sitting inside a cage in a courtroom was unthinkable only months ago, many in Sudan and abroad have warned that the graft trial should not distract from the more serious indictments he faces.

The former Sudanese leader is wanted by the International Criminal Court in The Hague over his role in mass killings in the western region of Darfur.

A landmark deal was signed on August 17, setting a roadmap for Sudan's transition to civilian rule and democratic elections in 2022.

In the interim, the country will be led by a Sovereign Council that includes six civilians and five members of the military.

While the generals in the transitional bodies eventually sided with the protests that brought down Bashir, they rose up the ranks in Bashir's regime and many Sudanese are wary of their commitment to the transition.

The next hearing in Bashir's corruption trial was set for August 31.

Sudan's deposed longtime president Omar al-Bashir appeared in court Saturday for the second hearing of his corruption trial, during which his defence asked for his release on bail.

Sudan's deposed longtime president Omar al-Bashir appeared in court Saturday for the second hearing of his corruption trial, during which his defence asked for his release on bail. Bashir, wearing a traditional white gown, sat in the same metal cage he appeared in Monday when his trial on graft charges opened. In the first hearing, an investigator said Bashir had admitted to receiving at least $90 million in cash from Saudi royals in recent years. The judge in Khartoum on Saturday heard three witnesses, two of them investigators who searched Bashir's residence after his ouster and the other a banker. "We ask the court to release the accused on bail," Bashir's lawyer Hashem Abu Bakr said, to which the judge answered he would examine a written request. After the hearing, as a massive security convoy escorted the 75-year-old Bashir back to prison, two opposing groups of demonstrators staged protests. One group of a few dozen protesters chanted slogans for Bashir to face justice not just over corruption but for his role in the country's deadly conflicts. "Bashir is a killer" and "He has to face justice", they chanted. Rival protests "Bashir has committed a number of crimes that he should be prosecuted for as a priority, not for these sums of money," said one demonstrator who gave his name as Yasser Mohamed. Another smaller group turned out in support of the deposed Islamist leader, who was forced from power by relentless protests in April after 30 years in power. "We came here to support the legitimate president of the country," said Abdel Rahman Omar, one of the pro-Bashir demonstrators. While the sight of Bashir sitting inside a cage in a courtroom was unthinkable only months ago, many in Sudan and abroad have warned that the graft trial should not distract from the more serious indictments he faces. The former Sudanese leader is wanted by the International Criminal Court in The Hague over his role in mass killings in the western region of Darfur. A landmark deal was signed on August 17, setting a roadmap for Sudan's transition to civilian rule and democratic elections in 2022. In the interim, the country will be led by a Sovereign Council that includes six civilians and five members of the military. While the generals in the transitional bodies eventually sided with the protests that brought down Bashir, they rose up the ranks in Bashir's regime and many Sudanese are wary of their commitment to the transition. The next hearing in Bashir's corruption trial was set for August 31.

Omar al-Bashir defence asks Sudan court for release on bail

Sudan's main opposition coalition and the ruling military council on Saturday signed a final power-sharing deal that paves the way for a transitional government, and eventually elections, following the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudan-from-demonstrations-to-transition-accord-243613">overthrow of longtime leader Omar al-Bashir</a>.

Stability in Sudan, which has been grappling with an economic crisis, is seen as crucial for a volatile region struggling with conflict and insurgencies from the Horn of Africa to Egypt and Libya.

One of Sudan's top generals, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, who is deputy head of the military council, and opposition alliance representative Ahmad al-Rabie had initialed the agreement on Aug. 4 and were the main signatories on Saturday.

Those in the room clapped and cheered and an orchestra played a patriotic song.

Also present were African Union and Ethiopian mediators, who helped broker the accord, and representatives from Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, all of which see themselves as influential in Khartoum.

Sudanese troops are operating in Yemen as part of a Saudi-led coalition fighting Houthi rebels.

Leaders of Ethiopia, South Sudan and Kenya were also present.

"The coming period will be a test for us, no one will be excluded," said leading opposition figure Sadiq al-Mahdi, Sudan's last democratically elected premier. "We will open the door to everyone to participate in Sudan's celebration."

The Transitional Military Council (TMC) has ruled Sudan since April, when the military deposed Bashir following months of protests against his rule during which dozens of demonstrators were killed.

Political progress

The TMC and the main opposition alliance, known as the Forces of Freedom and Change (FFC), have been negotiating the power-sharing deal since then, but continued unrest, during which more protesters were killed, delayed an agreement and plunged Sudan further into turmoil.

Dagalo, also known as Hemedti, commands the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, some of whose members have been accused of involvement in killing demonstrators who have repeatedly turned out in huge numbers to press for political progress.

In a speech, Mohammed Nagy Alassam, a leader within the FFC, emphasized the need for an investigation and justice for those who were killed, particularly during the violent dispersal of a protest site in the capital Khartoum on June 3.

"The martyrs are still with us, they are with the revolutionaries," spectators in the room chanted.

State television showed dozens of people lined up outside the convention centre where the signing ceremony was held, waving flags and flashing peace signs in celebration.

The make-up of a new sovereign council, which will run Sudan during a three-year transitional period leading up to elections, will be announced on Aug. 18.

According to Saturday's agreement, the council will comprise five members each from the two sides plus a civilian agreed by both. It will name Sudan's new premier based on a nomination by the FFC.

The accord also provides for a 300-member legislative assembly to serve during the transitional period and a cabinet of technocrats.

Bashir is wanted for war crimes in Sudan's Darfur region by the International Criminal Court and is awaiting trial in Sudan on corruption charges.

Sudan's main opposition coalition and the ruling military council on Saturday signed a final power-sharing deal that paves the way for a transitional government, and eventually elections, following the overthrow of longtime leader Omar al-Bashir.

Sudan's main opposition coalition and the ruling military council on Saturday signed a final power-sharing deal that paves the way for a transitional government, and eventually elections, following the overthrow of longtime leader Omar al-Bashir. Stability in Sudan, which has been grappling with an economic crisis, is seen as crucial for a volatile region struggling with conflict and insurgencies from the Horn of Africa to Egypt and Libya. One of Sudan's top generals, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, who is deputy head of the military council, and opposition alliance representative Ahmad al-Rabie had initialed the agreement on Aug. 4 and were the main signatories on Saturday. Those in the room clapped and cheered and an orchestra played a patriotic song. Also present were African Union and Ethiopian mediators, who helped broker the accord, and representatives from Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, all of which see themselves as influential in Khartoum. Sudanese troops are operating in Yemen as part of a Saudi-led coalition fighting Houthi rebels. Leaders of Ethiopia, South Sudan and Kenya were also present. "The coming period will be a test for us, no one will be excluded," said leading opposition figure Sadiq al-Mahdi, Sudan's last democratically elected premier. "We will open the door to everyone to participate in Sudan's celebration." The Transitional Military Council (TMC) has ruled Sudan since April, when the military deposed Bashir following months of protests against his rule during which dozens of demonstrators were killed. Political progress The TMC and the main opposition alliance, known as the Forces of Freedom and Change (FFC), have been negotiating the power-sharing deal since then, but continued unrest, during which more protesters were killed, delayed an agreement and plunged Sudan further into turmoil. Dagalo, also known as Hemedti, commands the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, some of whose members have been accused of involvement in killing demonstrators who have repeatedly turned out in huge numbers to press for political progress. In a speech, Mohammed Nagy Alassam, a leader within the FFC, emphasized the need for an investigation and justice for those who were killed, particularly during the violent dispersal of a protest site in the capital Khartoum on June 3. "The martyrs are still with us, they are with the revolutionaries," spectators in the room chanted. State television showed dozens of people lined up outside the convention centre where the signing ceremony was held, waving flags and flashing peace signs in celebration. The make-up of a new sovereign council, which will run Sudan during a three-year transitional period leading up to elections, will be announced on Aug. 18. According to Saturday's agreement, the council will comprise five members each from the two sides plus a civilian agreed by both. It will name Sudan's new premier based on a nomination by the FFC. The accord also provides for a 300-member legislative assembly to serve during the transitional period and a cabinet of technocrats. Bashir is wanted for war crimes in Sudan's Darfur region by the International Criminal Court and is awaiting trial in Sudan on corruption charges.

Sudan generals, protest leaders sign transition deal

Sudan's military council and its main opposition coalition have agreed on a constitutional declaration to usher in a new period of transitional government, African Union mediator for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/timeline-key-dates-in-sudans-political-upheaval-239620">Sudan </a>Mohamed Hassan Lebatt told a news conference in the early hours of Saturday morning.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudan-protesters-army-rulers-ink-power-sharing-deal-236637">Sudan protesters, army rulers ink power sharing deal</a>

The document, which outlines the powers and the relationship between the branches of the transitional government, comes after weeks of protracted negotiations brokered by the African Union and neighbouring Ethiopia amid sporadic bouts of violence in the capital Khartoum and other cities.

Lebatt said that the delegations will continue talks on Saturday over the technical details of the signature procedures but did not elaborate further on the contents of the declaration.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/how-sudans-economic-crisis-had-a-role-in-protests-that-toppled-al-bashir-216685">Sudan</a>'s stability is crucial for the security of a volatile region stretching from the Horn of Africa to Libya that is riven by conflict and power struggles.

This final agreement is meant to pave the way to a political transition after military leaders ousted former President Omar al-Bashir in April following months of protests against his rule.

Two key points of contention had been the role of Sudan's General Intelligence Service and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the country's most powerful paramilitary group.

According to a draft of the declaration seen by Reuters, the intelligence service will report to the cabinet and the sovereign council, the body that will rule the country in the transitional period, while the RSF will fall under the general command of the armed forces.&nbsp;

The sides had previously agreed that the sovereign council will be comprised of 11 members — five officers selected by the military council, five civilians chosen by the FFC and another civilian to be agreed upon by both sides. Its first leader will be from the military.

When the sovereign council is formed, the country`s current ruling body, a transitional military council headed by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his deputy, RSF commander General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, will be dissolved.&nbsp;

Sudan's military council and its main opposition coalition have agreed on a constitutional declaration to usher in a new period of transitional government, African Union mediator for Sudan Mohamed Hassan Lebatt told a news conference in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Sudan's military council and its main opposition coalition have agreed on a constitutional declaration to usher in a new period of transitional government, African Union mediator for Sudan Mohamed Hassan Lebatt told a news conference in the early hours of Saturday morning. Also read: Sudan protesters, army rulers ink power sharing deal The document, which outlines the powers and the relationship between the branches of the transitional government, comes after weeks of protracted negotiations brokered by the African Union and neighbouring Ethiopia amid sporadic bouts of violence in the capital Khartoum and other cities. Lebatt said that the delegations will continue talks on Saturday over the technical details of the signature procedures but did not elaborate further on the contents of the declaration. Sudan's stability is crucial for the security of a volatile region stretching from the Horn of Africa to Libya that is riven by conflict and power struggles. This final agreement is meant to pave the way to a political transition after military leaders ousted former President Omar al-Bashir in April following months of protests against his rule. Two key points of contention had been the role of Sudan's General Intelligence Service and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the country's most powerful paramilitary group. According to a draft of the declaration seen by Reuters, the intelligence service will report to the cabinet and the sovereign council, the body that will rule the country in the transitional period, while the RSF will fall under the general command of the armed forces. The sides had previously agreed that the sovereign council will be comprised of 11 members — five officers selected by the military council, five civilians chosen by the FFC and another civilian to be agreed upon by both sides. Its first leader will be from the military. When the sovereign council is formed, the country`s current ruling body, a transitional military council headed by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his deputy, RSF commander General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, will be dissolved.

Sudanese factions agree constitutional declaration for transitional government

<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.

Four school children shot dead at Sudan protest

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

A probe into a deadly June raid on a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudan-says-87-killed-when-security-forces-broke-up-protest-in-june-238850">Khartoum protest camp </a>revealed Saturday that a feared Sudanese paramilitary group was involved in the crackdown that killed scores and sparked international outrage.

Shortly before dawn on June 3, gunmen in military fatigues raided the site of a weeks-long sit-on outside army headquarters, shooting and beating protesters in an operation that also left hundreds wounded.

Demonstrators and rights groups had accused the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces of carrying out the crackdown, a charge denied by the group's powerful chief, General Mohamed Hamdan Daglo.

But a joint probe by prosecutors and the ruling military council revealed on Saturday that RSF paramilitaries were involved in the raid.

Crowds of protesters had camped out at the site from April 6 onwards, initially to seek the army's support in toppling longtime leader Omar al-Bashir.

Bashir was ousted on April 11, but protesters pressed on with the sit-in, demanding that the military council which replaced him cede power to civilians.

Fatah al-Rahman Saeed, a prosecutor who headed the investigation, said orders had been given to security forces to clear an area called Colombia, near the protest camp.

But, he said, an RSF general had separate ordered a colonel to disperse the sit-in, despite having no such order from further up the chain of command.

"They led the forces... inside the sit-in area and ordered them to get down from their vehicles and whip the protesters," Saeed told reporters.

Saeed identified the RSF general who allegedly ordered the raid by his initials A.S.A., and the colonel as A.A.M.

"It is clear to the committee that General A.S.A issued an order to Colonel A.A.M to deploy anti-riot forces of the RSF" to break up the sit-in, Saeed said.

- 'Forces disobeyed orders' -

The country's ruling generals have insisted they did not order the dispersal of the protest camp, but had ordered an operation including RSF and other security forces limited to clearing Colombia, citing drug dealing and violence in the area.

"The area had become a security threat which forced the authorities to take proper measures to clear it," Saeed said on Saturday.

Saeed said an RSF captain, identified as H.B.A, was involved in clearing Colombia but later took part in dispersing the sit-in.

He said another group of security personnel who were also involved in clearing Colombia "disobeyed orders and entered the sit-in area".

They "removed barricades, fired tear gas and fired intense and random bullets that led to the killing and wounding of protesters and the burning of tents," Saeed said.

Days after the raid, rights group Amnesty International said that members of "RSF are responsible for... the ongoing bloody crackdown on protesters in Khartoum since 3 June".

"The RSF swept into protest sites and opened fire on unarmed people," it said.

Doctors linked to the protest movement say 127 people were killed during the raid.

Authorities have given several tolls, all of them much lower.

- Pending issues -

The sit-in raid caused the collapse of talks between protest leaders and Sudan's ruling generals, which did not resume until weeks later, after intense mediaton by African Union and Ethiopian diplomats.

The two sides have now agreed to form a joint civilian-military ruling body for a transitional period of 39 months.

This governing body would then install an overall civilian administration as demanded by demonstrators, who still insist on a separate independent investigation into the June 3 raid.

Although the generals and protest leaders have signed a power sharing deal, several issues are still pending -- including justice for demonstrators killed since the first December protests against Bashir.

A probe into a deadly June raid on a Khartoum protest camp revealed Saturday that a feared Sudanese paramilitary group was involved in the crackdown that killed scores and sparked international outrage.

A probe into a deadly June raid on a Khartoum protest camp revealed Saturday that a feared Sudanese paramilitary group was involved in the crackdown that killed scores and sparked international outrage. Shortly before dawn on June 3, gunmen in military fatigues raided the site of a weeks-long sit-on outside army headquarters, shooting and beating protesters in an operation that also left hundreds wounded. Demonstrators and rights groups had accused the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces of carrying out the crackdown, a charge denied by the group's powerful chief, General Mohamed Hamdan Daglo. But a joint probe by prosecutors and the ruling military council revealed on Saturday that RSF paramilitaries were involved in the raid. Crowds of protesters had camped out at the site from April 6 onwards, initially to seek the army's support in toppling longtime leader Omar al-Bashir. Bashir was ousted on April 11, but protesters pressed on with the sit-in, demanding that the military council which replaced him cede power to civilians. Fatah al-Rahman Saeed, a prosecutor who headed the investigation, said orders had been given to security forces to clear an area called Colombia, near the protest camp. But, he said, an RSF general had separate ordered a colonel to disperse the sit-in, despite having no such order from further up the chain of command. "They led the forces... inside the sit-in area and ordered them to get down from their vehicles and whip the protesters," Saeed told reporters. Saeed identified the RSF general who allegedly ordered the raid by his initials A.S.A., and the colonel as A.A.M. "It is clear to the committee that General A.S.A issued an order to Colonel A.A.M to deploy anti-riot forces of the RSF" to break up the sit-in, Saeed said. - 'Forces disobeyed orders' - The country's ruling generals have insisted they did not order the dispersal of the protest camp, but had ordered an operation including RSF and other security forces limited to clearing Colombia, citing drug dealing and violence in the area. "The area had become a security threat which forced the authorities to take proper measures to clear it," Saeed said on Saturday. Saeed said an RSF captain, identified as H.B.A, was involved in clearing Colombia but later took part in dispersing the sit-in. He said another group of security personnel who were also involved in clearing Colombia "disobeyed orders and entered the sit-in area". They "removed barricades, fired tear gas and fired intense and random bullets that led to the killing and wounding of protesters and the burning of tents," Saeed said. Days after the raid, rights group Amnesty International said that members of "RSF are responsible for... the ongoing bloody crackdown on protesters in Khartoum since 3 June". "The RSF swept into protest sites and opened fire on unarmed people," it said. Doctors linked to the protest movement say 127 people were killed during the raid. Authorities have given several tolls, all of them much lower. - Pending issues - The sit-in raid caused the collapse of talks between protest leaders and Sudan's ruling generals, which did not resume until weeks later, after intense mediaton by African Union and Ethiopian diplomats. The two sides have now agreed to form a joint civilian-military ruling body for a transitional period of 39 months. This governing body would then install an overall civilian administration as demanded by demonstrators, who still insist on a separate independent investigation into the June 3 raid. Although the generals and protest leaders have signed a power sharing deal, several issues are still pending -- including justice for demonstrators killed since the first December protests against Bashir.

Sudan probe shows paramilitaries involved in deadly raid on sit-in

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

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/how-sudans-economic-crisis-had-a-role-in-protests-that-toppled-al-bashir-216685">Sudan</a>'s <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudan-paramilitaries-torture-civilian-to-death-doctors-236523">military</a> said on Wednesday that it has thwarted a coup attempt and arrested an unspecified number of senior officers in connection with the plot, state news agency SUNA said.

Watch: Sudan protesters take over square where Bashir held rallies

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The military "revealed a coup attempt involving General Hashim Abdel Mottalib Ahmed, head of the joint chiefs of staff, and a number of high-ranking officers from the armed forces and the National Intelligence and Security Service, along with leaders of the Islamic Movement and the National Congress Party", SUNA said.

"They have been detained and investigations with them are going on so that they can be tried."

"The failed coup attempt's goal was to abort the people's glorious revolution and to return the former National Congress regime to power, and to disrupt the path before the expected political solution that aims to establish a civilian state," SUNA cited the military as saying.

The attempted putsch happened as the military council and an alliance of protest and opposition groups work to finalise a power-sharing deal for a three-year transition towards elections, a process that has repeatedly stalled.

Sudan's military said on Wednesday that it has thwarted a coup attempt and arrested an unspecified number of senior officers in connection with the plot, state news agency SUNA said.

Sudan's military said on Wednesday that it has thwarted a coup attempt and arrested an unspecified number of senior officers in connection with the plot, state news agency SUNA said. Watch: Sudan protesters take over square where Bashir held rallies × The military "revealed a coup attempt involving General Hashim Abdel Mottalib Ahmed, head of the joint chiefs of staff, and a number of high-ranking officers from the armed forces and the National Intelligence and Security Service, along with leaders of the Islamic Movement and the National Congress Party", SUNA said. "They have been detained and investigations with them are going on so that they can be tried." "The failed coup attempt's goal was to abort the people's glorious revolution and to return the former National Congress regime to power, and to disrupt the path before the expected political solution that aims to establish a civilian state," SUNA cited the military as saying. The attempted putsch happened as the military council and an alliance of protest and opposition groups work to finalise a power-sharing deal for a three-year transition towards elections, a process that has repeatedly stalled.

Stopped coup attempt, arrested senior officers: Sudan military

Paramilitary men beat and tortured to death a civilian in Sudan's war-torn Darfur region, a doctors committee linked to the country's protest movement said Tuesday.

The civilian died on Monday in El-Daen, in East Darfur state, after members of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) clashed with youths accused of stealing mobile phones, the committee said on its Facebook page.

"Members from Al-Janjaweed (RSF) militia beat and tortured a number of youths... on allegations that the youths had stolen a mobile phone," it said.

"One youth passed away due to torture by Al-Janjaweed," it said, referring to the RSF which has its origins in the militia that fought ethnic African rebels in Darfur during a civil war that broke out in 2003.

Witnesses contacted by telephone backed up the account of the doctors committee.

Two witnesses said an RSF unit arrested five youths -- accusing them of stealing mobile phones from their base -- and took them outside town, where they tortured them and abandoned them on the streets.

One of the victims allegedly died, they said.

After the victim was buried, town residents converged on the RSF base and torched it, while other RSF personnel arrested the unit responsible, the two witnesses said.

An RSF spokesman was unavailable for comment.

The doctors' committee alleged a total of six civilians have died over the past three days at the hands of the RSF, including four members of a family-run over by a vehicle driven by a paramilitary unit in Omdurman, the twin city of Khartoum.

Generals 'protect militias'

The sixth person was killed by gunfire in El-Souki, in the southeastern state of Sinnar, as residents protested against the RSF, demanding they leave town, according to the committee and witnesses.

"The continuation of the barbarity and tampering with civilians' safety daily by Janjaweed (RSF) militias, coupled with not holding them accountable under any law or code of ethics, prove that the Transitional Military Council protects these militias," the committee said.

The protest movement blamed the deaths in El-Souki and El-Daen on the security apparatus and the military council which has ruled Sudan since the ouster in April of longtime president Omar al-Bashir following months of anti-regime demonstrations.

"We hold the security authorities responsible for those killed in El-Daen and El-Souki," Ismail al-Taj, a spokesman for the Sudanese Professionals Association told reporters in Khartoum.

The SPA spearheaded protests against Bashir that broke out in December.

"We demand an independent investigation to identify those who committed these heinous crimes against citizens," Taj said, adding it was the responsibility of the military council to protect civilians during protests and rallies.

On Monday, scores of protesters demonstrated in parts of the capital, including at night, against the killing in El-Souki.

Protesters and rights groups accuse RSF personnel of having carried out a brutal raid on a protest camp outside military headquarters in Khartoum on June 3 that left dozens dead and hundreds wounded.

RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, the deputy chief of Sudan's military council, has portrayed the allegations as part of an attempt to distort the image of his paramilitary force.

Paramilitary men beat and tortured to death a civilian in Sudan's war-torn Darfur region, a doctors committee linked to the country's protest movement said Tuesday.

Paramilitary men beat and tortured to death a civilian in Sudan's war-torn Darfur region, a doctors committee linked to the country's protest movement said Tuesday. The civilian died on Monday in El-Daen, in East Darfur state, after members of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) clashed with youths accused of stealing mobile phones, the committee said on its Facebook page. "Members from Al-Janjaweed (RSF) militia beat and tortured a number of youths... on allegations that the youths had stolen a mobile phone," it said. "One youth passed away due to torture by Al-Janjaweed," it said, referring to the RSF which has its origins in the militia that fought ethnic African rebels in Darfur during a civil war that broke out in 2003. Witnesses contacted by telephone backed up the account of the doctors committee. Two witnesses said an RSF unit arrested five youths -- accusing them of stealing mobile phones from their base -- and took them outside town, where they tortured them and abandoned them on the streets. One of the victims allegedly died, they said. After the victim was buried, town residents converged on the RSF base and torched it, while other RSF personnel arrested the unit responsible, the two witnesses said. An RSF spokesman was unavailable for comment. The doctors' committee alleged a total of six civilians have died over the past three days at the hands of the RSF, including four members of a family-run over by a vehicle driven by a paramilitary unit in Omdurman, the twin city of Khartoum. Generals 'protect militias' The sixth person was killed by gunfire in El-Souki, in the southeastern state of Sinnar, as residents protested against the RSF, demanding they leave town, according to the committee and witnesses. "The continuation of the barbarity and tampering with civilians' safety daily by Janjaweed (RSF) militias, coupled with not holding them accountable under any law or code of ethics, prove that the Transitional Military Council protects these militias," the committee said. The protest movement blamed the deaths in El-Souki and El-Daen on the security apparatus and the military council which has ruled Sudan since the ouster in April of longtime president Omar al-Bashir following months of anti-regime demonstrations. "We hold the security authorities responsible for those killed in El-Daen and El-Souki," Ismail al-Taj, a spokesman for the Sudanese Professionals Association told reporters in Khartoum. The SPA spearheaded protests against Bashir that broke out in December. "We demand an independent investigation to identify those who committed these heinous crimes against citizens," Taj said, adding it was the responsibility of the military council to protect civilians during protests and rallies. On Monday, scores of protesters demonstrated in parts of the capital, including at night, against the killing in El-Souki. Protesters and rights groups accuse RSF personnel of having carried out a brutal raid on a protest camp outside military headquarters in Khartoum on June 3 that left dozens dead and hundreds wounded. RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, the deputy chief of Sudan's military council, has portrayed the allegations as part of an attempt to distort the image of his paramilitary force.

Sudan paramilitaries 'torture' civilian to death: Doctors

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

Days after a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/internet-on-mobile-services-restored-in-sudan-234458">blackout on mobile internet services ended</a>, Sudanese are shocked by the content of online videos and photographs that appear to document last month's deadly raid on demonstrators.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-mourn-protesters-killed-in-sudan-raid-235649">Crowds of protesters</a> were violently dispersed -- and dozens killed -- by men in military fatigues during a pre-dawn raid on a weeks-long sit-in outside army headquarters in Khartoum on June 3.

"The brutal scenes of killings and beatings left me very angry," said Hussein Hashim, a 19-year-old university student from the capital's El-Deem neighbourhood.

"The perpetrators have no mercy, religion or humanity."

Demonstrators who had camped at the site demanding civilian rule were shot and beaten as armed men rampaged through the area, triggering international outrage.

But the carnage went largely unseen inside Sudan as the country's military rulers imposed a nationwide blackout on mobile internet services.

The authorities restored mobile internet only last week, paving the way for photographs and videos going viral on social media networks.

Services were ordered to be restored after Khartoum based lawyer Abdelaziz Hassan won a case against 3G and 4G service providers.&nbsp;

"The aim of blocking the internet was to hide information and evidence of what happened in the massacre," Hassan told AFP.

"It is the right of every citizen to know the real information so that he can form his own views."

One photograph, which could not be verified, has stirred particular anger.

It shows men in military trousers and boots putting their feet on the face of a purported protester lying on the ground.

Days after a blackout on mobile internet services ended, Sudanese are shocked by the content of online videos and photographs that appear to document last month's deadly raid on demonstrators.

Days after a blackout on mobile internet services ended, Sudanese are shocked by the content of online videos and photographs that appear to document last month's deadly raid on demonstrators. Crowds of protesters were violently dispersed -- and dozens killed -- by men in military fatigues during a pre-dawn raid on a weeks-long sit-in outside army headquarters in Khartoum on June 3. "The brutal scenes of killings and beatings left me very angry," said Hussein Hashim, a 19-year-old university student from the capital's El-Deem neighbourhood. "The perpetrators have no mercy, religion or humanity." Demonstrators who had camped at the site demanding civilian rule were shot and beaten as armed men rampaged through the area, triggering international outrage. But the carnage went largely unseen inside Sudan as the country's military rulers imposed a nationwide blackout on mobile internet services. The authorities restored mobile internet only last week, paving the way for photographs and videos going viral on social media networks. Services were ordered to be restored after Khartoum based lawyer Abdelaziz Hassan won a case against 3G and 4G service providers. "The aim of blocking the internet was to hide information and evidence of what happened in the massacre," Hassan told AFP. "It is the right of every citizen to know the real information so that he can form his own views." One photograph, which could not be verified, has stirred particular anger. It shows men in military trousers and boots putting their feet on the face of a purported protester lying on the ground.

Shock and anger as videos of brutal Sudan raid belatedly go viral

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

Protests in Sudan demanding civilian rule were met by violence over the weekend. Tens of thousands of Sudanese filled the streets of the capital city, Khartoum, and other areas calling for the military government to relinquish control.

Sudan protest: Locals share videos of violent crackdown

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