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

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

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

Sudan army ruler calls on protest leaders to hold unconditional talks

China and Russia on Friday rejected calls from European and African countries to freeze the planned shutdown of a peacekeeping mission to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/social-media-goes-blue-to-show-solidarity-for-sudan-227264">Sudan</a>'s Darfur region.

Britain, France, Germany and the African countries on the Security Council told the group that the decision on closing the joint UN-African Union mission should be put on hold while Sudan is engulfed in crisis.

The council is scheduled to vote on the mandate of the mission, known as UNAMID, on June 27.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/arab-springs-the-game-may-not-be-all-over-yet-227095">Arab springs: The game may not be all over yet</a>

"The situation has evolved, the situation is not the same in the centre, and we cannot proceed as if nothing has happened," said South Africa's Ambassador Jerry Matjila.

Russia and China, however, said the drawdown must continue as planned with a view to end operations in 2020.

"The Sudanese government has the capacity to maintain peace and security in Darfur on its own," said China's Deputy Ambassador Wu Haitao.

China, Sudan's major trading partner, has long supported Khartoum's view that the conflict in Darfur was winding down and that peacekeepers were no longer needed.

After a series of phased drawdowns, about 7,200 troops and police remain in Darfur from the 16,000 deployed at the height of the conflict.

More than 300,000 people have been killed and 2.5 million displaced in the violence, according to the United Nations.

Russian Deputy Ambassador Dmitry Polyanskiy said the council was right to pull out peacekeepers and warned against any "outside lecturing" to Khartoum.

Sudan has been led by a military council since generals ousted Omar al-Bashir on April 11 after months of nationwide protests against his three-decade rule.

Protesters remained encamped outside the military headquarters in Khartoum for weeks afterwards demanding civilian rule, until a June 3 crackdown that left scores dead.

Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have said the instability has an impact on Darfur and that peacekeepers should remain.

UN human rights official Andrew Gilmour said there have been increased reports of killings, abduction and sexual violence in Darfur in recent months.

Over the past two months, 47 people have been killed in Darfur, he said.

Sudan's military rulers have issued a decree ordering UNAMID to hand over all of its camps in Darfur to the Rapid Support Forces, which led the crackdown on protesters.

But UN peacekeeping chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix said plans to turn over the camps to Sudanese forces as part of the drawdown have been suspended.

China and Russia on Friday rejected calls from European and African countries to freeze the planned shutdown of a peacekeeping mission to Sudan's Darfur region. Britain, France, Germany and the African countries on the Security Council told the group that the decision on closing the joint UN-African Union mission should be put on hold while Sudan is engulfed in crisis.

China and Russia on Friday rejected calls from European and African countries to freeze the planned shutdown of a peacekeeping mission to Sudan's Darfur region. Britain, France, Germany and the African countries on the Security Council told the group that the decision on closing the joint UN-African Union mission should be put on hold while Sudan is engulfed in crisis. The council is scheduled to vote on the mandate of the mission, known as UNAMID, on June 27. Also read: Arab springs: The game may not be all over yet "The situation has evolved, the situation is not the same in the centre, and we cannot proceed as if nothing has happened," said South Africa's Ambassador Jerry Matjila. Russia and China, however, said the drawdown must continue as planned with a view to end operations in 2020. "The Sudanese government has the capacity to maintain peace and security in Darfur on its own," said China's Deputy Ambassador Wu Haitao. China, Sudan's major trading partner, has long supported Khartoum's view that the conflict in Darfur was winding down and that peacekeepers were no longer needed. After a series of phased drawdowns, about 7,200 troops and police remain in Darfur from the 16,000 deployed at the height of the conflict. More than 300,000 people have been killed and 2.5 million displaced in the violence, according to the United Nations. Russian Deputy Ambassador Dmitry Polyanskiy said the council was right to pull out peacekeepers and warned against any "outside lecturing" to Khartoum. Sudan has been led by a military council since generals ousted Omar al-Bashir on April 11 after months of nationwide protests against his three-decade rule. Protesters remained encamped outside the military headquarters in Khartoum for weeks afterwards demanding civilian rule, until a June 3 crackdown that left scores dead. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have said the instability has an impact on Darfur and that peacekeepers should remain. UN human rights official Andrew Gilmour said there have been increased reports of killings, abduction and sexual violence in Darfur in recent months. Over the past two months, 47 people have been killed in Darfur, he said. Sudan's military rulers have issued a decree ordering UNAMID to hand over all of its camps in Darfur to the Rapid Support Forces, which led the crackdown on protesters. But UN peacekeeping chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix said plans to turn over the camps to Sudanese forces as part of the drawdown have been suspended.

China, Russia reject calls for freeze on UN pullout from Sudan

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

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

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

Social Media goes blue to show solidarity for Sudan

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - June 15th, 2019

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

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

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

Russia joins Gulf states in coaching Sudan military

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - June 14th, 2019

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sudan's military rulers say several coup attempts thwarted

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

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

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

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

It is not a mere coincidence that the recent happenings in Sudan unquestionably resembles the 2011 Egypt crisis.&nbsp;

On June 3, Sudan security forces opened fire at sit-in protesters killing nearly 100. They were demanding a democratic setup in Sudan following the removal of its long-serving autocratic President Omar al-Bashir. Later, through a statement read on national television, the Transitional Military Council led by Lt. General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan elucidated that the operation solely targeted ‘trouble makers and criminals’. &nbsp;

Remarkably, the crackdown by the military on the massive movement made democracy bear a stunning resemblance to the Egyptian revolution in 2011.&nbsp;

For instance, the August 2013 Rabba massacre, in which more than 800 people were killed, led to mass protests which forced Egyptian dictator, Hosni Mubarak, out of power.

However, the architect of the coup responsible for dethroning the dictator, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, went on to declare himself the president instead. Following Mubarak’s expulsion, a poorly carried transition from monocracy to democracy deviated Egypt’s revolutionaries. As they were clueless about the transition, the mix-up paved the way for a counter-revolutionary coup in Cairo.&nbsp;

Today, Abdel el-Sisi’s regime is more violent and repressive than the one they toppled 7 years ago. These events are worrying, especially after witnessing the similarities they carry. &nbsp;

Transitioning&nbsp;

In both Sudan and Egypt, youth and the working class along with the opposition parties banded together to oppose the brutal authoritarian regime. As did the army generals intervened to dethrone the ruling dictators, only to find themselves in control later. All this during the most crucial period of the movement- transition to democracy. &nbsp;

The sole reason for an uprising to succeed is the power of people in the streets. During late 2012, the secular wing of Egypt’s revolutionary union fell out from the Islamist wing aligned with the Muslim Brotherhood. Both groups, in the end, remained more committed to their own specific political aspirations and interests. The coalitions that have taken to the streets in Sudan are just as diverse as Egypt’s, a weakness Sudan’s military benefits from.&nbsp;

No Love for Democracy&nbsp;

During the Egyptian revolution, the regional powers such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates strongly opposed the Muslim Brotherhood and, in a broader context, democracy. They feared that such uprisings could inspire mutiny in their own rule and destabilise their control. Just days after Bashir resigned, Saudi Arabia pledged $3 billion in aid to Sudan’s TMC after meeting Mohamed Dagalo. The US, however, despite being the 'promoter of democracy’, finds itself in a tricky spot, thanks to Saudi’s oil money and its growing arms market. &nbsp;

Egypt’s failed democratic experiment provides key lessons. Changing the entire system of governance while also opposing a powerful and resourceful regime can be unnerving. The next few months will be crucial for not just the people of Sudan but also the whole of Africa.&nbsp;

As Sudan takes its first daring steps toward democracy, they must keep their eyes open as the game may not be all over yet.&nbsp; 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;

It is not a mere coincidence that the recent happenings in Sudan unquestionably resembles the 2011 Egypt crisis. On June 3, Sudan security forces opened fire at sit-in protesters killing nearly 100.

It is not a mere coincidence that the recent happenings in Sudan unquestionably resembles the 2011 Egypt crisis. On June 3, Sudan security forces opened fire at sit-in protesters killing nearly 100. They were demanding a democratic setup in Sudan following the removal of its long-serving autocratic President Omar al-Bashir. Later, through a statement read on national television, the Transitional Military Council led by Lt. General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan elucidated that the operation solely targeted ‘trouble makers and criminals’. Remarkably, the crackdown by the military on the massive movement made democracy bear a stunning resemblance to the Egyptian revolution in 2011. For instance, the August 2013 Rabba massacre, in which more than 800 people were killed, led to mass protests which forced Egyptian dictator, Hosni Mubarak, out of power. However, the architect of the coup responsible for dethroning the dictator, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, went on to declare himself the president instead. Following Mubarak’s expulsion, a poorly carried transition from monocracy to democracy deviated Egypt’s revolutionaries. As they were clueless about the transition, the mix-up paved the way for a counter-revolutionary coup in Cairo. Today, Abdel el-Sisi’s regime is more violent and repressive than the one they toppled 7 years ago. These events are worrying, especially after witnessing the similarities they carry. Transitioning In both Sudan and Egypt, youth and the working class along with the opposition parties banded together to oppose the brutal authoritarian regime. As did the army generals intervened to dethrone the ruling dictators, only to find themselves in control later. All this during the most crucial period of the movement- transition to democracy. The sole reason for an uprising to succeed is the power of people in the streets. During late 2012, the secular wing of Egypt’s revolutionary union fell out from the Islamist wing aligned with the Muslim Brotherhood. Both groups, in the end, remained more committed to their own specific political aspirations and interests. The coalitions that have taken to the streets in Sudan are just as diverse as Egypt’s, a weakness Sudan’s military benefits from. No Love for Democracy During the Egyptian revolution, the regional powers such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates strongly opposed the Muslim Brotherhood and, in a broader context, democracy. They feared that such uprisings could inspire mutiny in their own rule and destabilise their control. Just days after Bashir resigned, Saudi Arabia pledged $3 billion in aid to Sudan’s TMC after meeting Mohamed Dagalo. The US, however, despite being the 'promoter of democracy’, finds itself in a tricky spot, thanks to Saudi’s oil money and its growing arms market. Egypt’s failed democratic experiment provides key lessons. Changing the entire system of governance while also opposing a powerful and resourceful regime can be unnerving. The next few months will be crucial for not just the people of Sudan but also the whole of Africa. As Sudan takes its first daring steps toward democracy, they must keep their eyes open as the game may not be all over yet. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Arab springs: The game may not be all over yet

The top US diplomat for Africa on Wednesday joined an international effort to press <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudan-military-rulers-brief-us-envoy-state-media-210306">Sudan's military rulers</a> and the opposition toward a deal on a transition to democracy two months after the overthrow of former President Omar al-Bashir.

An Ethiopian envoy has said that the military and opposition groups have agreed to resume talks on the formation of a transitional council that collapsed after the violent dispersal of a protest sit-in on June 3.

Tibor Nagy, the US assistant secretary of state for Africa, met on Wednesday with the main opposition coalition and held talks with Sudan's acting Deputy Foreign Minister Ilham Ibrahim.

Before the meetings, the State Department said Nagy was going to urge the parties to work toward an environment conducive to the resumption of negotiations. The United States also on Wednesday named veteran diplomat Donald Booth as its envoy to Sudan.

After meeting Nagy, the main opposition coalition said that it would only participate in indirect talks and it would impose other conditions.

"We have informed the Ethiopian prime minister that we refuse to have direct negotiations with the transitional military council," said Madani Abbas Madani, a leader of the Declaration of Freedom and Change Forces.

"The point of contention between us is clear and our terms are clear; we are talking now about issues of transition to civilian rule and the rights of martyrs."

The bloodshed has drawn expressions of concern from world powers including the United States, which imposed sanctions on Sudan under Bashir over its alleged support for militant groups and the civil war in Darfur.

Stability in the nation of 40 million is crucial for a volatile region struggling with conflict and insurgencies from the Horn of Africa to Egypt and Libya.

The military council has been bolstered by support from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, which between them have offered $3 billion in aid.

Optimism

"The current detente in Sudan calls for optimism and we call for the establishment of an agreement that will drive the transitional phase through a real and stable partnership," UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash said on Twitter.

He also praised the role of Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who flew to Khartoum last week on a mediation mission and is expected to return this week.

The June 3 crackdown led to at least 118 deaths, according to opposition-linked medics. The government has confirmed 61 deaths, including three security personnel.

Sudan's Foreign Ministry summoned the British ambassador, Irfan Siddiq, on Wednesday to protest his remarks, SUNA reported. As authorities tried to disperse the main protest site last week, he tweeted: “No excuse for any such attack. This. Must. Stop. Now."

Talks between the military and the opposition were already deadlocked before the crackdown as the two sides struggled to agree on the make-up of a sovereign council that will oversee the transition.

In Khartoum, employees returned to work on Wednesday and store owners opened their shops, after the alliance of protesters and opposition groups suspended a three-day campaign of strikes and civil disobedience.

Many people lined up outside ATMs and banks that had closed first for the Eid holiday at the start of June and then because of the strike.

Sudan is still suffering an internet outage. Some side streets that had been closed by protesters were still partially blocked by remnants of barricades. Rubbish bins not emptied for days were overflowing.

The top US diplomat for Africa on Wednesday joined an international effort to press Sudan's military rulers and the opposition toward a deal on a transition to democracy two months after the overthrow of former President Omar al-Bashir.

The top US diplomat for Africa on Wednesday joined an international effort to press Sudan's military rulers and the opposition toward a deal on a transition to democracy two months after the overthrow of former President Omar al-Bashir. An Ethiopian envoy has said that the military and opposition groups have agreed to resume talks on the formation of a transitional council that collapsed after the violent dispersal of a protest sit-in on June 3. Tibor Nagy, the US assistant secretary of state for Africa, met on Wednesday with the main opposition coalition and held talks with Sudan's acting Deputy Foreign Minister Ilham Ibrahim. Before the meetings, the State Department said Nagy was going to urge the parties to work toward an environment conducive to the resumption of negotiations. The United States also on Wednesday named veteran diplomat Donald Booth as its envoy to Sudan. After meeting Nagy, the main opposition coalition said that it would only participate in indirect talks and it would impose other conditions. "We have informed the Ethiopian prime minister that we refuse to have direct negotiations with the transitional military council," said Madani Abbas Madani, a leader of the Declaration of Freedom and Change Forces. "The point of contention between us is clear and our terms are clear; we are talking now about issues of transition to civilian rule and the rights of martyrs." The bloodshed has drawn expressions of concern from world powers including the United States, which imposed sanctions on Sudan under Bashir over its alleged support for militant groups and the civil war in Darfur. Stability in the nation of 40 million is crucial for a volatile region struggling with conflict and insurgencies from the Horn of Africa to Egypt and Libya. The military council has been bolstered by support from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, which between them have offered $3 billion in aid. Optimism "The current detente in Sudan calls for optimism and we call for the establishment of an agreement that will drive the transitional phase through a real and stable partnership," UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash said on Twitter. He also praised the role of Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who flew to Khartoum last week on a mediation mission and is expected to return this week. The June 3 crackdown led to at least 118 deaths, according to opposition-linked medics. The government has confirmed 61 deaths, including three security personnel. Sudan's Foreign Ministry summoned the British ambassador, Irfan Siddiq, on Wednesday to protest his remarks, SUNA reported. As authorities tried to disperse the main protest site last week, he tweeted: “No excuse for any such attack. This. Must. Stop. Now." Talks between the military and the opposition were already deadlocked before the crackdown as the two sides struggled to agree on the make-up of a sovereign council that will oversee the transition. In Khartoum, employees returned to work on Wednesday and store owners opened their shops, after the alliance of protesters and opposition groups suspended a three-day campaign of strikes and civil disobedience. Many people lined up outside ATMs and banks that had closed first for the Eid holiday at the start of June and then because of the strike. Sudan is still suffering an internet outage. Some side streets that had been closed by protesters were still partially blocked by remnants of barricades. Rubbish bins not emptied for days were overflowing.

United States joins diplomatic push to salvage agreement in Sudan

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/protesters-block-roads-in-hong-kong-in-anti-china-demonstration-against-extradition-bill-226366">Protesters block roads in Hong Kong in anti-China demonstration against extradition bill</a>

Protesters have blocked two main highways in central&nbsp;Hong Kong in ralliesagainst a divisive government plan to allow extraditions to China.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/envoy-says-sudan-talks-to-resume-as-strike-suspended-226368">Envoy says Sudan talks to resume as strike suspended</a>

Sudan`s military and&nbsp;opposition groups&nbsp;have agreed to resume talks on the formation of a transitional council, an Ethiopian envoy said on Tuesday, as an opposition alliance said it was suspending its campaign of civil disobedience and strikes.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-vayu-thunderstorm-lightning-alert-issued-for-various-districts-of-gujarat-orange-warning-for-goa-226379">Cyclone Vayu: Thunderstorm, lightning alert issued for various districts of Gujarat;'orange' warning for Goa</a>

The Indian Meteorological Department has issued warnings of thunderstorm and lightning accompanied by gusty wind (40-50 kmph) at isolated places in the districts of North Gujarat region including Banaskantha and Sabarkantha for Wednesday and Thursday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/life-imprisonment-for-mumbai-man-who-created-hijack-scare-on-jet-plane-226369">Life imprisonment for Mumbai man who created hijack scare on Jet plane</a>

In the first conviction under the amended anti-hijacking law, a special NIA court Tuesday awarded life term to a Mumbai-based businessman and also imposed a hefty Rs 5 crore fine for triggering a hijack scare on a Jet Airways plane in 2017.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pakistani-fans-love-cricket-they-wont-boo-steven-smith-captain-sarfaraz-ahmed-226376">Pakistani fans love cricket, they won't boo Steven Smith: Captain Sarfaraz Ahmed</a>

Sarfaraz Ahmed insists Pakistan fans won't boo shamed Australia star&nbsp;Steven Smith during their World Cup&nbsp;match in Taunton on Wednesday. Pakistan fans are expected to make up a large chunk of the crowd in the west country and there are fears they might follow the example of the India supporters who jeered Smith at the Oval on Sunday.

Protesters block roads in Hong Kong in anti-China demonstration against extradition bill Protesters have blocked two main highways in central Hong Kong in ralliesagainst a divisive government plan to allow extraditions to China.

Protesters block roads in Hong Kong in anti-China demonstration against extradition bill Protesters have blocked two main highways in central Hong Kong in ralliesagainst a divisive government plan to allow extraditions to China. Envoy says Sudan talks to resume as strike suspended Sudan`s military and opposition groups have agreed to resume talks on the formation of a transitional council, an Ethiopian envoy said on Tuesday, as an opposition alliance said it was suspending its campaign of civil disobedience and strikes. Cyclone Vayu: Thunderstorm, lightning alert issued for various districts of Gujarat;'orange' warning for Goa The Indian Meteorological Department has issued warnings of thunderstorm and lightning accompanied by gusty wind (40-50 kmph) at isolated places in the districts of North Gujarat region including Banaskantha and Sabarkantha for Wednesday and Thursday. Life imprisonment for Mumbai man who created hijack scare on Jet plane In the first conviction under the amended anti-hijacking law, a special NIA court Tuesday awarded life term to a Mumbai-based businessman and also imposed a hefty Rs 5 crore fine for triggering a hijack scare on a Jet Airways plane in 2017. Pakistani fans love cricket, they won't boo Steven Smith: Captain Sarfaraz Ahmed Sarfaraz Ahmed insists Pakistan fans won't boo shamed Australia star Steven Smith during their World Cup match in Taunton on Wednesday. Pakistan fans are expected to make up a large chunk of the crowd in the west country and there are fears they might follow the example of the India supporters who jeered Smith at the Oval on Sunday.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Sudan`s military and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudan-opposition-says-to-nominate-members-for-transitional-council-226186">opposition groups</a> have agreed to resume talks on the formation of a transitional council, an Ethiopian envoy said on Tuesday, as an opposition alliance said it was suspending its campaign of civil disobedience and strikes.

Sudan`s Transitional Military Council also agreed to release political prisoners as a confidence-building measure, special envoy Mahmoud Dirir told reporters in Khartoum.

The steps appeared to show a softening of positions after talks between the two sides collapsed following the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shops-open-buses-run-on-day-2-of-sudan-civil-campaign-225981">violent dispersal of a protest sit-in</a> on June 3.

The crackdown, in which dozens of people were killed, dealt a big setback to hopes of a transition towards democratic elections following the overthrow of veteran leader Omar al-Bashir in April.

The Declaration of Freedom and Change Forces (DFCF) alliance on Sunday began an open-ended strike that brought much activity in Khartoum to a standstill.

The alliance said in a statement it would suspend the strike from Wednesday until further notice, though it encouraged people to remain mobilised for possible further action.

Watch: Deadly Violence in Sudan

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Opposition leader Khaled Omar struck a cautious note, saying in comments to Al Hadath TV that the suspension of the campaign was "not tied to any specific political developments".

Yasir Arman, one of three officials from the southern SPLM-N rebel movement who were detained and then deported to South Sudan after the breakdown of talks, said the military council did not want to cede power.

"My experience in Khartoum is that the military council wanted to divide the oppositions, to have a deal with them that will keep them in power," Arman told Reuters in Juba a day after saying he had been tied up and flown out of Khartoum on a military helicopter.

In a statement on Tuesday, the United Nations Security Council called on all parties "to continue working together towards a consensual solution to the current crisis."

Meditation mission

After the military ousted and arrested Bashir on April 11, following months of protests, talks became deadlocked over who would control a sovereign council that would oversee a three-year transition towards elections.&nbsp;

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed flew to Sudan to mediate when the talks broke down last week.&nbsp;

Opposition sources said Abiy had proposed a 15-member transitional council comprising eight civilians and seven military officers with a rotating presidency.

A leader of the DFCF opposition alliance said on Monday night that the group had decided to name eight members to the council and nominate Abdullah Hamdouk, a former executive secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, as prime minister.

The bloodshed in Sudan has prompted concern from world powers including the United States, which announced on Monday it was sending its senior diplomat for Africa to Khartoum this week to push for a resumption of talks.

The African Union has suspended Sudan`s membership.

Stability in the nation of 40 million is crucial for a volatile region struggling with conflict and insurgencies from the Horn of Africa to Egypt and Libya.

The military council has been bolstered by support from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt. The UAE`s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs said on Tuesday his country was in contact with both sides and was seeking "a smooth organised political transition".&nbsp;

Darfur

The recent crackdown led to at least 118 deaths since June 3, according to a group of doctors linked to the opposition. The government has confirmed 61 deaths.

The crackdown began with a raid on a protest sit-in outside Khartoum`s Defence Ministry on June 3 which witnesses said was led by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).&nbsp;

The RSF, which is led by the council`s deputy head, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, grew out of Arab militias that fought in the western region of Darfur during a civil war that began in 2003.

Rights group Amnesty International on Tuesday accused the RSF and allied militia of being responsible for the destruction of dozens of villages, unlawful killings and sexual abuse in Darfur over the past year.&nbsp;

Amnesty said tens of thousands of civilians in Darfur`s Jebel Marra would become more vulnerable if the U.N. Security Council and the AU were to vote on June 27 to close their joint peacekeeping mission there, UNAMID.&nbsp;

An RSF spokesman could not immediately be reached for comment.

According to the United Nations, the military council demanded UNAMID hand over its premises to the RSF as part of the mission`s planned withdrawal in 2020.

Sudan`s military and opposition groups have agreed to resume talks on the formation of a transitional council, an Ethiopian envoy said on Tuesday, as an opposition alliance said it was suspending its campaign of civil disobedience and strikes.

Sudan`s military and opposition groups have agreed to resume talks on the formation of a transitional council, an Ethiopian envoy said on Tuesday, as an opposition alliance said it was suspending its campaign of civil disobedience and strikes. Sudan`s Transitional Military Council also agreed to release political prisoners as a confidence-building measure, special envoy Mahmoud Dirir told reporters in Khartoum. The steps appeared to show a softening of positions after talks between the two sides collapsed following the violent dispersal of a protest sit-in on June 3. The crackdown, in which dozens of people were killed, dealt a big setback to hopes of a transition towards democratic elections following the overthrow of veteran leader Omar al-Bashir in April. The Declaration of Freedom and Change Forces (DFCF) alliance on Sunday began an open-ended strike that brought much activity in Khartoum to a standstill. The alliance said in a statement it would suspend the strike from Wednesday until further notice, though it encouraged people to remain mobilised for possible further action. Watch: Deadly Violence in Sudan × Opposition leader Khaled Omar struck a cautious note, saying in comments to Al Hadath TV that the suspension of the campaign was "not tied to any specific political developments". Yasir Arman, one of three officials from the southern SPLM-N rebel movement who were detained and then deported to South Sudan after the breakdown of talks, said the military council did not want to cede power. "My experience in Khartoum is that the military council wanted to divide the oppositions, to have a deal with them that will keep them in power," Arman told Reuters in Juba a day after saying he had been tied up and flown out of Khartoum on a military helicopter. In a statement on Tuesday, the United Nations Security Council called on all parties "to continue working together towards a consensual solution to the current crisis." Meditation mission After the military ousted and arrested Bashir on April 11, following months of protests, talks became deadlocked over who would control a sovereign council that would oversee a three-year transition towards elections. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed flew to Sudan to mediate when the talks broke down last week. Opposition sources said Abiy had proposed a 15-member transitional council comprising eight civilians and seven military officers with a rotating presidency. A leader of the DFCF opposition alliance said on Monday night that the group had decided to name eight members to the council and nominate Abdullah Hamdouk, a former executive secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, as prime minister. The bloodshed in Sudan has prompted concern from world powers including the United States, which announced on Monday it was sending its senior diplomat for Africa to Khartoum this week to push for a resumption of talks. The African Union has suspended Sudan`s membership. Stability in the nation of 40 million is crucial for a volatile region struggling with conflict and insurgencies from the Horn of Africa to Egypt and Libya. The military council has been bolstered by support from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt. The UAE`s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs said on Tuesday his country was in contact with both sides and was seeking "a smooth organised political transition". Darfur The recent crackdown led to at least 118 deaths since June 3, according to a group of doctors linked to the opposition. The government has confirmed 61 deaths. The crackdown began with a raid on a protest sit-in outside Khartoum`s Defence Ministry on June 3 which witnesses said was led by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The RSF, which is led by the council`s deputy head, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, grew out of Arab militias that fought in the western region of Darfur during a civil war that began in 2003. Rights group Amnesty International on Tuesday accused the RSF and allied militia of being responsible for the destruction of dozens of villages, unlawful killings and sexual abuse in Darfur over the past year. Amnesty said tens of thousands of civilians in Darfur`s Jebel Marra would become more vulnerable if the U.N. Security Council and the AU were to vote on June 27 to close their joint peacekeeping mission there, UNAMID. An RSF spokesman could not immediately be reached for comment. According to the United Nations, the military council demanded UNAMID hand over its premises to the RSF as part of the mission`s planned withdrawal in 2020.

Envoy says Sudan talks to resume as strike suspended

At least 11 people were shot dead by government forces in the war-torn region of Darfur in western <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudan-opposition-rejects-armys-offer-of-talks-death-toll-hits-101-224759">Sudan</a>, a committee of doctors said on Tuesday.

&nbsp;Anadolu Agency quoted the Central Committee of the Sudanese Doctors as saying in a statement that 20 others suffered injuries on Monday after the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a faction of the army, opened fire on citizens in a village in central Darfur."

On Monday, a group of RSF opened fire on citizens in the Village area of Central Darfur State, killing 11 people and injuring at least 20 people," the statement read.No clear reason was given for the killings. However, several witnesses said that they were committed by the RSF soldiers, according to the statement.&nbsp;

In Sudan, protesters began a nationwide civil disobedience campaign on Sunday to mount pressure on the ruling Transitional Military Council (TMC) to hand over power to a civilian government.

&nbsp;Scores of people have been killed after a crackdown was launched on protesters in Khartoum since June 3.&nbsp;

The TMC has promised to bring the perpetrators of the crime to justice and release the outcome of the investigation.

&nbsp;Meanwhile, Amnesty International has condemned the war crimes and other serious human rights violations in Darfur by Sudanese government forces, including the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and allied militias.&nbsp;

Kumi Naidoo, Amnesty International`s Secretary General, said, "The TMC of Sudan must immediately withdraw all members of the Rapid Support Forces from policing and law enforcement anywhere in Sudan and especially in Khartoum.

"Naidoo said, "What we have witnessed in the past three days is horrific and barbaric. The senseless killing of protestors must be stopped immediately, and those responsible for the bloodbath, including at command level, must be held fully accountable for their dreadful actions."&nbsp;

At least 11 people were shot dead by government forces in the war-torn region of Darfur in western Sudan, a committee of doctors said on Tuesday. Anadolu Agency quoted the Central Committee of the Sudanese Doctors as saying in a statement that 20 others suffered injuries on Monday after the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a faction of the army, opened fire on citizens in a village in central Darfur.

At least 11 people were shot dead by government forces in the war-torn region of Darfur in western Sudan, a committee of doctors said on Tuesday. Anadolu Agency quoted the Central Committee of the Sudanese Doctors as saying in a statement that 20 others suffered injuries on Monday after the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a faction of the army, opened fire on citizens in a village in central Darfur." On Monday, a group of RSF opened fire on citizens in the Village area of Central Darfur State, killing 11 people and injuring at least 20 people," the statement read.No clear reason was given for the killings. However, several witnesses said that they were committed by the RSF soldiers, according to the statement. In Sudan, protesters began a nationwide civil disobedience campaign on Sunday to mount pressure on the ruling Transitional Military Council (TMC) to hand over power to a civilian government. Scores of people have been killed after a crackdown was launched on protesters in Khartoum since June 3. The TMC has promised to bring the perpetrators of the crime to justice and release the outcome of the investigation. Meanwhile, Amnesty International has condemned the war crimes and other serious human rights violations in Darfur by Sudanese government forces, including the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and allied militias. Kumi Naidoo, Amnesty International`s Secretary General, said, "The TMC of Sudan must immediately withdraw all members of the Rapid Support Forces from policing and law enforcement anywhere in Sudan and especially in Khartoum. "Naidoo said, "What we have witnessed in the past three days is horrific and barbaric. The senseless killing of protestors must be stopped immediately, and those responsible for the bloodbath, including at command level, must be held fully accountable for their dreadful actions."

Sudanese government forces kill 11 in Darfur

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - June 11th, 2019

Day 1 Of Civil Disobedience Movement In Sudan.

Gravitas: Deadly Violence in Sudan

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

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

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

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

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - June 10th, 2019

Pope Francis on Sunday appealed for peace in Sudan following a bloody crackdown by security forces on pro-democracy protesters in Khartoum last week.

"The news coming from Sudan is giving rise to pain and concern. We pray for these people so that the violence ceases and the common good is sought in the dialogue," the pope said in his weekly address to crowds in St Peter's Square.

Opposition medics say 113 people were killed in this week's violence in the Sudanese capital, while the government has put the death toll at 61, including three members of the security services.

Sudan's main alliance of opposition groups and protesters have urged workers and employees to stay home on Sunday, launching what it called a campaign of civil disobedience to force military rulers to hand over power to civilians.

Pope Francis on Sunday appealed for peace in Sudan following a bloody crackdown by security forces on pro-democracy protesters in Khartoum last week. "The news coming from Sudan is giving rise to pain and concern.

Pope Francis on Sunday appealed for peace in Sudan following a bloody crackdown by security forces on pro-democracy protesters in Khartoum last week. "The news coming from Sudan is giving rise to pain and concern. We pray for these people so that the violence ceases and the common good is sought in the dialogue," the pope said in his weekly address to crowds in St Peter's Square. Opposition medics say 113 people were killed in this week's violence in the Sudanese capital, while the government has put the death toll at 61, including three members of the security services. Sudan's main alliance of opposition groups and protesters have urged workers and employees to stay home on Sunday, launching what it called a campaign of civil disobedience to force military rulers to hand over power to civilians.

Pope Francis appeals for peace, dialogue in Sudan

A key protest group on Saturday announced a nationwide "civil disobedience" campaign in Sudan. The campaign would run until Sudan's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudan-forces-arrest-protest-leaders-who-met-ethiopia-pm-abiy-ahmed-225443">ruling generals</a> transfer power to a civilian government, the protest group said.

"The civil disobedience movement will begin Sunday and end only when a civilian government announces itself in power on state television," the SPA said in a statement.

"Disobedience is a peaceful act capable of bringing to its knees the most powerful weapons arsenal in the world."

The call by the Sudanese Professionals Association, which first launched protests against longtime ruler Omar al-Bashir, came days after a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-relocates-staff-from-sudan-death-toll-rises-to-108-224799">bloody crackdown on demonstrators</a> left dozens dead in Khartoum and crushed hopes for a swift democratic transition.&nbsp;

It was still unclear how the campaign would unfold on the streets, especially in Khartoum where all key roads and squares have been deserted since Monday's crackdown.

Led by men in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudans-army-ruler-cancels-elections-amid-violence-during-sit-in-protest-224030">army</a> fatigues, the raid on the weeks-long sit-in outside the army complex left at least 113 people dead, according to doctors close to the demonstrators.

Watch: Human rights violation in Sudan

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The health ministry says 61 people died nationwide in the crackdown, 52 of them by "live ammunition" in Khartoum.

Witnesses say the assault was led by the feared Rapid Support Forces (RSF), who have their origins in the notorious Janjaweed militia, accused of abuses in the Darfur conflict between 2003 and 2004.

The call for "civil disobedience" came a day after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudan-forces-arrest-protest-leaders-who-met-ethiopia-pm-abiy-ahmed-225443">Ethiopian Prime Minister</a> Abiy Ahmed visited Khartoum seeking to revive talks between the generals and protest leaders on the country's transition.

Protest leaders arrested

Sudan's military council seized power in April after ousting Bashir on the back of months-long protests against his three-decade rule.

Since then, it has resisted calls from protesters and Western nations to transfer power to a civilian administration.

Several rounds of talks with the demonstrators finally broke down in mid-May.

In a bid to revive the negotiations, the Ethiopian premier held separate meetings with the two sides in Khartoum on Friday.

"The army, the people and political forces have to act with courage and responsibility by taking quick steps towards a democratic and consensual transitional period," Abiy said in a statement after the meetings.

"The army has to protect the security of the country and its people and political forces have to think about the future of the country."&nbsp;

But three members of an opposition delegation that met the Ethiopian premier were later arrested, their aides said Saturday.

Opposition politician Mohamed Esmat was detained Friday, while Ismail Jalab, a leader of the rebel Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N), was taken from his home overnight.

"A group of armed men came in vehicles at 3:00 am (0100 GMT) and took away Ismail Jalab... without giving any reason," one of his aides, Rashid Anwar, told AFP.

He said SPLM-N spokesman Mubarak Ardol was also detained.

Esmat and Jalab are both leading members of the Alliance for Freedom and Change, an umbrella of opposition parties and some rebel groups.

The Alliance, of which the SPA is a key member, was the main organiser of mass protests since December that led to Bashir's ouster.

Call for international prober

The arrests threaten to further complicate efforts to reconcile the protest movement and the generals.

Following Monday's brutal crackdown, chances of a quick democratic transition appear remote as protest leaders now insist that talks with the generals can resume only under certain conditions.

"The Transitional Military Council has to admit the crime it committed," Omar al-Digeir, a prominent protest leader told reporters on Friday after meeting Abiy.

He demanded an international probe into "the massacre at the sit-in" and called for all military forces to be removed from streets across the country.

Digeir said the military council should also restore access to the internet and allow public and media freedoms.

Since the crackdown, Khartoum residents have mostly been sheltering indoors and the streets have been deserted.

RSF members and soldiers on Saturday cleared major Khartoum streets of roadblocks put up by protesters.

Demonstrators had used tyres, tree trunks and rocks to erect the makeshift barricades, which the generals had warned would not be tolerated.

RSF chief and deputy head of the military council, Lieutenant General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, has warned he will not tolerate "any chaos".

Some barricades remained in place, witnesses said Saturday, but the protest site at military headquarters was out of bounds.

Troops and RSF paramilitaries surrounded it from all sides to keep demonstrators at bay.

The protest slogans that once rang across Khartoum -- "freedom, peace, justice" and "civilian rule, civilian rule" -- &nbsp;were nowhere to be heard.

A key protest group on Saturday announced a nationwide "civil disobedience" campaign in Sudan. The campaign would run until Sudan's ruling generals transfer power to a civilian government, the protest group said.

A key protest group on Saturday announced a nationwide "civil disobedience" campaign in Sudan. The campaign would run until Sudan's ruling generals transfer power to a civilian government, the protest group said. "The civil disobedience movement will begin Sunday and end only when a civilian government announces itself in power on state television," the SPA said in a statement. "Disobedience is a peaceful act capable of bringing to its knees the most powerful weapons arsenal in the world." The call by the Sudanese Professionals Association, which first launched protests against longtime ruler Omar al-Bashir, came days after a bloody crackdown on demonstrators left dozens dead in Khartoum and crushed hopes for a swift democratic transition. It was still unclear how the campaign would unfold on the streets, especially in Khartoum where all key roads and squares have been deserted since Monday's crackdown. Led by men in army fatigues, the raid on the weeks-long sit-in outside the army complex left at least 113 people dead, according to doctors close to the demonstrators. Watch: Human rights violation in Sudan × The health ministry says 61 people died nationwide in the crackdown, 52 of them by "live ammunition" in Khartoum. Witnesses say the assault was led by the feared Rapid Support Forces (RSF), who have their origins in the notorious Janjaweed militia, accused of abuses in the Darfur conflict between 2003 and 2004. The call for "civil disobedience" came a day after Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed visited Khartoum seeking to revive talks between the generals and protest leaders on the country's transition. Protest leaders arrested Sudan's military council seized power in April after ousting Bashir on the back of months-long protests against his three-decade rule. Since then, it has resisted calls from protesters and Western nations to transfer power to a civilian administration. Several rounds of talks with the demonstrators finally broke down in mid-May. In a bid to revive the negotiations, the Ethiopian premier held separate meetings with the two sides in Khartoum on Friday. "The army, the people and political forces have to act with courage and responsibility by taking quick steps towards a democratic and consensual transitional period," Abiy said in a statement after the meetings. "The army has to protect the security of the country and its people and political forces have to think about the future of the country." But three members of an opposition delegation that met the Ethiopian premier were later arrested, their aides said Saturday. Opposition politician Mohamed Esmat was detained Friday, while Ismail Jalab, a leader of the rebel Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N), was taken from his home overnight. "A group of armed men came in vehicles at 3:00 am (0100 GMT) and took away Ismail Jalab... without giving any reason," one of his aides, Rashid Anwar, told AFP. He said SPLM-N spokesman Mubarak Ardol was also detained. Esmat and Jalab are both leading members of the Alliance for Freedom and Change, an umbrella of opposition parties and some rebel groups. The Alliance, of which the SPA is a key member, was the main organiser of mass protests since December that led to Bashir's ouster. Call for international prober The arrests threaten to further complicate efforts to reconcile the protest movement and the generals. Following Monday's brutal crackdown, chances of a quick democratic transition appear remote as protest leaders now insist that talks with the generals can resume only under certain conditions. "The Transitional Military Council has to admit the crime it committed," Omar al-Digeir, a prominent protest leader told reporters on Friday after meeting Abiy. He demanded an international probe into "the massacre at the sit-in" and called for all military forces to be removed from streets across the country. Digeir said the military council should also restore access to the internet and allow public and media freedoms. Since the crackdown, Khartoum residents have mostly been sheltering indoors and the streets have been deserted. RSF members and soldiers on Saturday cleared major Khartoum streets of roadblocks put up by protesters. Demonstrators had used tyres, tree trunks and rocks to erect the makeshift barricades, which the generals had warned would not be tolerated. RSF chief and deputy head of the military council, Lieutenant General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, has warned he will not tolerate "any chaos". Some barricades remained in place, witnesses said Saturday, but the protest site at military headquarters was out of bounds. Troops and RSF paramilitaries surrounded it from all sides to keep demonstrators at bay. The protest slogans that once rang across Khartoum -- "freedom, peace, justice" and "civilian rule, civilian rule" -- were nowhere to be heard.

Sudan protest group calls nationwide 'civil disobedience'

Ethiopia`s prime minister on Friday urged Sudan`s military rulers and civilian opposition to exercise "bravery" in trying to agree on a transition to democracy after the worst bloodshed since the overthrow of President Omar al-Bashir.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who flew to Khartoum from Addis Ababa to try to mediate the country`s crisis, held separate talks with the country`s ruling military council and leaders of the Declaration of Freedom and Change Forces, an alliance of protesters and opposition parties.

The visit came days after forces stormed a protest camp outside the Defence Ministry in central Khartoum where demonstrators were demanding civilian rule. Dozens of people have been killed since Monday.

Khaled Omar, a leader of the opposition alliance, said Abiy proposed setting up a transitional council comprised of eight civilians and seven military officers with a rotating presidency.

The opposition demanded that the military rulers take responsibility for the bloodshed, allow an international investigation into the violence and free political prisoners, Omar added.

But instead of releasing prisoners, security forces arrested Mohammad Esmat, a member of the opposition delegation shortly after he met with Abiy, sources from his party said.&nbsp;

The military council could not immediately be reached for comment.

"This amounts to a practical response from the military council that effectively rejects the Ethiopian prime minister`s mediation effort," Omar told Reuters, adding that the Sudanese opposition would not agree to any deal before all of its conditions are met.

The military council said it was ready to negotiate at any time, state news agency SUNA reported.

Although no breakthrough was announced at the end of the one-day visit, an adviser to the Ethiopian prime minister said the talks went well and that Abiy would be returning to Sudan soon.

The military council and opposition had been in talks for weeks over who should lead Sudan`s transition to democracy.&nbsp;

But negotiations collapsed after Monday`s violence. The opposition said it could not talk to untrustworthy rulers. Opposition medics say 113 people were killed in the storming of the camp and subsequent crackdown.&nbsp;

The government, however, has put the week`s death toll at 61, including three security personnel.

Abiy made his visit the day after the Ethiopia-headquartered African Union bloc suspended Sudan, backing the opposition`s demand for civilian rule.

He was welcomed by Lieutenant General Shams El Din Kabbashi, spokesman for the Transitional Military Council. Abiy later hosted a meeting with the opposition alliance.&nbsp;

"The military and the people and the political forces need to act with bravery and responsibility in taking quick steps to a democratic, reconciliatory transitional period in the country," he said in a statement.&nbsp;

Abiy, a reformer who took office last year, has won wide praise for his diplomatic skills, including brokering peace with Eritrea, Ethiopia`s neighbour and long-time foe.&nbsp;

Attacks on hospitals

Stability in Sudan is crucial for a volatile region struggling against Islamist insurgencies from the Horn of Africa to Egypt and Libya. Various powers, including Russia and the Gulf Arab states, are trying to influence its path.

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, which have close ties with the military council, have said they are watching developments with concern and support a renewal of dialogue.

Russia said on Thursday it opposed foreign intervention in Sudan and the authorities in Khartoum must subdue what it described as "extremists," a Russian news agency reported.

Sudan was placed on a US&nbsp;list of sponsors of terrorism under Bashir, an Islamist former general accused of war crimes in the western Darfur region.

A doctors` group linked to the protest movement said hospitals were now overcrowded with people injured in this week`s crackdown. Worsening the situation, five hospitals had been shut down by the feared paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which grew out of Darfur militia, it said.

"There is a great shortage in medical staff, mainly caused by the military militias targeting doctors and preventing them from reaching hospitals and clinics to perform their duty," it said. "For all these reasons, more and more lives are being lost every day."

The World Health Organization said some medical staff and patients had been injured during raids into hospitals, and emergency services were being shut down.

Mobile tent clinics set up to treat injured protesters had been set on fire and destroyed while medical equipment had been looted and some women health workers were reportedly raped, it said.&nbsp;

"These actions represent a total and unacceptable violation of international human rights law and must stop," said Ahmed Al-Mandhari, WHO regional director for the Eastern Mediterranean.

Rights group Amnesty International and the opposition have blamed the RSF for the violence.

The military council counters that infiltrators are putting on RSF uniforms. It says Monday`s raid was targeting criminals in an area next to the camp, but got out of hand.

Ethiopia`s prime minister on Friday urged Sudan`s military rulers and civilian opposition to exercise "bravery" in trying to agree on a transition to democracy after the worst bloodshed since the overthrow of President Omar al-Bashir.

Ethiopia`s prime minister on Friday urged Sudan`s military rulers and civilian opposition to exercise "bravery" in trying to agree on a transition to democracy after the worst bloodshed since the overthrow of President Omar al-Bashir. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who flew to Khartoum from Addis Ababa to try to mediate the country`s crisis, held separate talks with the country`s ruling military council and leaders of the Declaration of Freedom and Change Forces, an alliance of protesters and opposition parties. The visit came days after forces stormed a protest camp outside the Defence Ministry in central Khartoum where demonstrators were demanding civilian rule. Dozens of people have been killed since Monday. Khaled Omar, a leader of the opposition alliance, said Abiy proposed setting up a transitional council comprised of eight civilians and seven military officers with a rotating presidency. The opposition demanded that the military rulers take responsibility for the bloodshed, allow an international investigation into the violence and free political prisoners, Omar added. But instead of releasing prisoners, security forces arrested Mohammad Esmat, a member of the opposition delegation shortly after he met with Abiy, sources from his party said. The military council could not immediately be reached for comment. "This amounts to a practical response from the military council that effectively rejects the Ethiopian prime minister`s mediation effort," Omar told Reuters, adding that the Sudanese opposition would not agree to any deal before all of its conditions are met. The military council said it was ready to negotiate at any time, state news agency SUNA reported. Although no breakthrough was announced at the end of the one-day visit, an adviser to the Ethiopian prime minister said the talks went well and that Abiy would be returning to Sudan soon. The military council and opposition had been in talks for weeks over who should lead Sudan`s transition to democracy. But negotiations collapsed after Monday`s violence. The opposition said it could not talk to untrustworthy rulers. Opposition medics say 113 people were killed in the storming of the camp and subsequent crackdown. The government, however, has put the week`s death toll at 61, including three security personnel. Abiy made his visit the day after the Ethiopia-headquartered African Union bloc suspended Sudan, backing the opposition`s demand for civilian rule. He was welcomed by Lieutenant General Shams El Din Kabbashi, spokesman for the Transitional Military Council. Abiy later hosted a meeting with the opposition alliance. "The military and the people and the political forces need to act with bravery and responsibility in taking quick steps to a democratic, reconciliatory transitional period in the country," he said in a statement. Abiy, a reformer who took office last year, has won wide praise for his diplomatic skills, including brokering peace with Eritrea, Ethiopia`s neighbour and long-time foe. Attacks on hospitals Stability in Sudan is crucial for a volatile region struggling against Islamist insurgencies from the Horn of Africa to Egypt and Libya. Various powers, including Russia and the Gulf Arab states, are trying to influence its path. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, which have close ties with the military council, have said they are watching developments with concern and support a renewal of dialogue. Russia said on Thursday it opposed foreign intervention in Sudan and the authorities in Khartoum must subdue what it described as "extremists," a Russian news agency reported. Sudan was placed on a US list of sponsors of terrorism under Bashir, an Islamist former general accused of war crimes in the western Darfur region. A doctors` group linked to the protest movement said hospitals were now overcrowded with people injured in this week`s crackdown. Worsening the situation, five hospitals had been shut down by the feared paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which grew out of Darfur militia, it said. "There is a great shortage in medical staff, mainly caused by the military militias targeting doctors and preventing them from reaching hospitals and clinics to perform their duty," it said. "For all these reasons, more and more lives are being lost every day." The World Health Organization said some medical staff and patients had been injured during raids into hospitals, and emergency services were being shut down. Mobile tent clinics set up to treat injured protesters had been set on fire and destroyed while medical equipment had been looted and some women health workers were reportedly raped, it said. "These actions represent a total and unacceptable violation of international human rights law and must stop," said Ahmed Al-Mandhari, WHO regional director for the Eastern Mediterranean. Rights group Amnesty International and the opposition have blamed the RSF for the violence. The military council counters that infiltrators are putting on RSF uniforms. It says Monday`s raid was targeting criminals in an area next to the camp, but got out of hand.

Ethiopia attempts to mediate Sudan crisis after bloodshed

Political crisis in Sudan intensifies. Over 100 civilians have been killed, with 40 bodies pulled out of the Nile river. Internet is shut down too. Pro-democracy protesters are being targetted. Here's a report on the grim situation in Sudan.

Gravitas: Human rights violation in Sudan

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-relocates-staff-from-sudan-death-toll-rises-to-108-224799">UN relocates staff from Sudan, death toll rises to 108</a>

The United Nations is moving some of its staff from Sudan, a spokeswoman said Wednesday, as the&nbsp;death toll from a crackdown on protesters soared to more than 100.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/4-bodies-11-tonne-garbage-collected-in-mount-everest-clean-up-operation-224812">4 bodies, 11 tonne garbage picked in Mount Everest clean-up operation</a>

Nepali climbers have retrieved four bodies and collected some&nbsp;11 tonnes of decades-old garbage&nbsp;from Mount Everest and its approach below the base camp as part of a drive to clean up the world's highest mountain, the government said on Wednesday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/global-terrorist-hafiz-saeed-not-allowed-to-lead-eid-prayers-at-his-favourite-venue-in-lahore-224810">Global terrorist Hafiz Saeed not allowed to lead Eid prayers at his 'favourite' venue in Lahore</a>

For the first time in years, Mumbai attack mastermind and Jammat-ud-Dawa (JuD) chief&nbsp;Hafiz Saeed&nbsp;was not allowed by the government on Wednesday to lead Eid-ul-Fitr prayers at his favourite venue Qaddafi Stadium here, an official said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thailands-parliament-elects-coup-leader-prayut-chan-ocha-as-prime-minister-224805">Thailand's Parliament elects coup leader Prayut Chan-ocha as prime minister</a>

Thailand's junta chief Prayut Chan-ocha&nbsp;was elected late on Wednesday as the kingdom's first civilian prime minister since the 2014 coup he led, in a vote by a parliament stacked with appointed allies of the&nbsp;conservative, arch-royalist army.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/danish-centre-left-opposition-wins-election-on-welfare-pledges-224808">Danish centre-left opposition wins election on welfare pledges</a>

Denmark appeared set to become the third Nordic country in a year to form a leftist government as voters in Wednesday`s&nbsp;parliamentary election&nbsp;rebelled against austerity measures and dealt a blow to right-wing nationalists.

UN relocates staff from Sudan, death toll rises to 108 The United Nations is moving some of its staff from Sudan, a spokeswoman said Wednesday, as the death toll from a crackdown on protesters soared to more than 100.

UN relocates staff from Sudan, death toll rises to 108 The United Nations is moving some of its staff from Sudan, a spokeswoman said Wednesday, as the death toll from a crackdown on protesters soared to more than 100. 4 bodies, 11 tonne garbage picked in Mount Everest clean-up operation Nepali climbers have retrieved four bodies and collected some 11 tonnes of decades-old garbage from Mount Everest and its approach below the base camp as part of a drive to clean up the world's highest mountain, the government said on Wednesday. Global terrorist Hafiz Saeed not allowed to lead Eid prayers at his 'favourite' venue in Lahore For the first time in years, Mumbai attack mastermind and Jammat-ud-Dawa (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed was not allowed by the government on Wednesday to lead Eid-ul-Fitr prayers at his favourite venue Qaddafi Stadium here, an official said. Thailand's Parliament elects coup leader Prayut Chan-ocha as prime minister Thailand's junta chief Prayut Chan-ocha was elected late on Wednesday as the kingdom's first civilian prime minister since the 2014 coup he led, in a vote by a parliament stacked with appointed allies of the conservative, arch-royalist army. Danish centre-left opposition wins election on welfare pledges Denmark appeared set to become the third Nordic country in a year to form a leftist government as voters in Wednesday`s parliamentary election rebelled against austerity measures and dealt a blow to right-wing nationalists.

The United Nations is moving some of its staff from Sudan, a spokeswoman said Wednesday, as the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudan-opposition-rejects-armys-offer-of-talks-death-toll-hits-101-224759">death toll from a crackdown on protesters soared to more than 100</a>.

"We are temporarily relocating non-programme-critical UN staff, while all UN operations continue in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/sudan-can-avoid-past-mistakes-by-drawing-lessons-from-its-history-210866">Sudan</a>," said UN spokesperson Eri Kaneko.

No details were provided on the number of staffers leaving Khartoum, where there is a large UN presence of 27 entities, mostly UN aid agencies.

The United Nations also runs a peacekeeping mission in Darfur with the African Union, where about 7,200 troops and police are deployed.

Sudan has been engulfed in turmoil since security forces on Monday violently broke up a weeks-long sit-in by protesters demanding an end to military rule.

The Central Committee for Sudanese Doctors close to the protest movement said on Wednesday that at least 108 people had been killed in the crackdown.

Forty bodies have been recovered from the Nile river, they said.

Watch: Unrest In Sudan Continues: Military Council Calls For Snap Polls

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A military council has ruled the country since the ouster of President Omar al-Bashir on April 11, following months of protests against his three-decade authoritarian rule.

Army ruler General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan announced Tuesday that he was scrapping a plan for a three-year transition period and would hold elections within nine months.

Western powers have warned that snap elections will crush hopes for a democratic transition in Sudan and have called for a return to negotiations.

The United Nations is moving some of its staff from Sudan, a spokeswoman said Wednesday, as the death toll from a crackdown on protesters soared to more than 100.

The United Nations is moving some of its staff from Sudan, a spokeswoman said Wednesday, as the death toll from a crackdown on protesters soared to more than 100. "We are temporarily relocating non-programme-critical UN staff, while all UN operations continue in Sudan," said UN spokesperson Eri Kaneko. No details were provided on the number of staffers leaving Khartoum, where there is a large UN presence of 27 entities, mostly UN aid agencies. The United Nations also runs a peacekeeping mission in Darfur with the African Union, where about 7,200 troops and police are deployed. Sudan has been engulfed in turmoil since security forces on Monday violently broke up a weeks-long sit-in by protesters demanding an end to military rule. The Central Committee for Sudanese Doctors close to the protest movement said on Wednesday that at least 108 people had been killed in the crackdown. Forty bodies have been recovered from the Nile river, they said. Watch: Unrest In Sudan Continues: Military Council Calls For Snap Polls × A military council has ruled the country since the ouster of President Omar al-Bashir on April 11, following months of protests against his three-decade authoritarian rule. Army ruler General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan announced Tuesday that he was scrapping a plan for a three-year transition period and would hold elections within nine months. Western powers have warned that snap elections will crush hopes for a democratic transition in Sudan and have called for a return to negotiations.

UN relocates staff from Sudan, death toll rises to 108

Russia urged against outside interference in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudan-opposition-rejects-armys-offer-of-talks-death-toll-hits-101-224759">Sudan</a> on Thursday, saying it was important to bring about order in the crisis-hit country following a bloody crackdown on protesters.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-relocates-staff-from-sudan-death-toll-rises-to-108-224799">At least 108 people have been killed in Sudan</a> since paramilitaries moved in on a long-running sit-in outside army headquarters on Monday, &nbsp;an opposition-linked doctors' committee says.

In April, the military ousted president Omar al-Bashir following months of protests against his authoritarian rule.&nbsp;

But thousands of protesters remained camped out in front of army headquarters calling for the generals to cede power to a civilian government.

"We are against outside interference, one cannot impose something on the Sudanese," Mikhail Bogdanov, deputy foreign minister, told reporters in Saint Petersburg.

He said Russia was in touch with all political forces in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudan-opposition-rejects-armys-offer-of-talks-death-toll-hits-101-224759">Sudan</a>, including the military and the opposition, calling for dialogue to resolve the crisis.

But Bogdanov also stressed the importance of "bringing about order" as well as the fight against extremists.

On Tuesday, China and Russia blocked a bid at the UN Security Council to condemn the killing of civilians in Sudan.

"The situation is rather complicated," Bogdanov said, quoted by Russian news agencies.

"We are in favour of all issues being solved within the framework of national dialogue, on the basis of consensus-based solutions."

He stressed the importance of a "transitional period which should end with elections."

Russia has been trying to expand its influence in Africa and said in January that it had sent "instructors" to Sudan, following reports of sightings of Russian-speaking soldiers in Khartoum.

The Central Committee for Sudanese Doctors said it holds the "militias" of the military council responsible for the deaths of the protesters.

Sudan's health ministry said "no more than 46" people died in the crackdown.

Russia urged against outside interference in Sudan on Thursday, saying it was important to bring about order in the crisis-hit country following a bloody crackdown on protesters.

Russia urged against outside interference in Sudan on Thursday, saying it was important to bring about order in the crisis-hit country following a bloody crackdown on protesters. At least 108 people have been killed in Sudan since paramilitaries moved in on a long-running sit-in outside army headquarters on Monday, an opposition-linked doctors' committee says. In April, the military ousted president Omar al-Bashir following months of protests against his authoritarian rule. But thousands of protesters remained camped out in front of army headquarters calling for the generals to cede power to a civilian government. "We are against outside interference, one cannot impose something on the Sudanese," Mikhail Bogdanov, deputy foreign minister, told reporters in Saint Petersburg. He said Russia was in touch with all political forces in Sudan, including the military and the opposition, calling for dialogue to resolve the crisis. But Bogdanov also stressed the importance of "bringing about order" as well as the fight against extremists. On Tuesday, China and Russia blocked a bid at the UN Security Council to condemn the killing of civilians in Sudan. "The situation is rather complicated," Bogdanov said, quoted by Russian news agencies. "We are in favour of all issues being solved within the framework of national dialogue, on the basis of consensus-based solutions." He stressed the importance of a "transitional period which should end with elections." Russia has been trying to expand its influence in Africa and said in January that it had sent "instructors" to Sudan, following reports of sightings of Russian-speaking soldiers in Khartoum. The Central Committee for Sudanese Doctors said it holds the "militias" of the military council responsible for the deaths of the protesters. Sudan's health ministry said "no more than 46" people died in the crackdown.

Russia says important to bring about order in Sudan

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

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

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

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

Sudan's Military Leaders Call For Snap Polls After Deadly Crackdown On A Protest Camp In Khartoum.

Gravitas: Unrest In Sudan Continues: Military Council Calls For Snap Polls

Sudan's army ruler General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan said on Tuesday the country's military rulers had decided to cancel what they had previously agreed with protesters about the country's transition and hold elections within nine months.

It came the after Sudan's military forcefully broke up a<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-2-killed-as-sudan-military-attempts-to-break-up-sit-in-outside-khartoum-army-hq-223791"> weeks-long sit-in outside Khartoum's army </a>headquarters calling on the country's ruling generals to hand over to civilian rule, leaving more than 30 dead.&nbsp;

"The military council decides to stop negotiating with the Alliance for Freedom and Change and cancel what had been agreed on and to hold general elections within nine months," Burhan said in a statement broadcast on state television early on Tuesday.

Sudan's military forcefully broke up a weeks-long sit-in outside Khartoum's army headquarters on Monday, leaving more than 30 dead and hundreds wounded in a crackdown met with sharp international condemnation.

Heavily armed members of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces were deployed around the capital, guarding entrances to the bridges that cross the Nile, and moved in convoys around the city.

The United States called it a "brutal" crackdown on protesters, who want the generals behind the overthrow of veteran president Omar al-Bashir to hand over to civilian rule.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the use of excessive force by the security forces against protesters and called for an independent investigation.

The UN Security Council will meet behind closed doors on Tuesday to discuss Sudan, after Britain and Germany requested the talks, diplomats said.

Sudan's army ruler General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan said on Tuesday the country's military rulers had decided to cancel what they had previously agreed with protesters about the country's transition and hold elections within nine months.

Sudan's army ruler General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan said on Tuesday the country's military rulers had decided to cancel what they had previously agreed with protesters about the country's transition and hold elections within nine months. It came the after Sudan's military forcefully broke up a weeks-long sit-in outside Khartoum's army headquarters calling on the country's ruling generals to hand over to civilian rule, leaving more than 30 dead. "The military council decides to stop negotiating with the Alliance for Freedom and Change and cancel what had been agreed on and to hold general elections within nine months," Burhan said in a statement broadcast on state television early on Tuesday. Sudan's military forcefully broke up a weeks-long sit-in outside Khartoum's army headquarters on Monday, leaving more than 30 dead and hundreds wounded in a crackdown met with sharp international condemnation. Heavily armed members of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces were deployed around the capital, guarding entrances to the bridges that cross the Nile, and moved in convoys around the city. The United States called it a "brutal" crackdown on protesters, who want the generals behind the overthrow of veteran president Omar al-Bashir to hand over to civilian rule. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the use of excessive force by the security forces against protesters and called for an independent investigation. The UN Security Council will meet behind closed doors on Tuesday to discuss Sudan, after Britain and Germany requested the talks, diplomats said.

Sudan's Army declares elections in nine months amid violence during sit-in protest

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

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

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

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

At least two people were killed on Monday as Sudan's military council tried to break up a sit-in outside Khartoum's army headquarters, a doctors' committee said as gunfire was heard from the protest site.

"Two peaceful protesters were killed by live bullets fired at the orders of the Transitional Military Council," the Central Committee of Sudanese Doctors said on Twitter without giving further details.

Gunfire was heard from the protest site by an AFP journalist, who reported a heavy deployment of security forces around the streets of the capital.

There were multiple reports of the military using force to disperse the sit-in in front of army headquarters, where protesters have been camped out for weeks.

"Now an attempt is taking place to disperse the sit-in at the headquarters of the people's armed forces by force by the military council," said the Sudanese Professionals Association, the group which spearheaded nationwide protests that started in December.

Rallies against the authoritarian rule of Omar al-Bashir led to his ouster in April, but demonstrators have remained to call on the generals to cede power to a transitional authority.

Near the demonstration site, a witness living in the Burri neighbourhood said he could "hear the sound of gunfire and I see a plume of smoke rising from the area of the sit-in."&nbsp;

Another resident of the area, in east Khartoum, said he had seen forces in "police uniform" trying to expel the demonstrators.

Britain's ambassador to Khartoum, Irfan Siddiq, said he had heard "heavy gunfire" from his residence.

"Extremely concerned by... reports that Sudanese security forces are attacking the protest sit-in site resulting in casualties. No excuse for any such attack. This. Must. Stop. Now," he wrote on Twitter.

The SPA said it amounted to a "bloody massacre", and called on Sudanese to take part in "total civil disobedience" to topple the military council and for people for take to the streets to protest.

Demonstrators had closed off Street 60, one of the main streets in the capital with stone barricades and burning tree trunks and tires, an AFP journalist said.

The SPA had said on Saturday that it had reason to believe the military council was "planning and working to end the peaceful sit-in at the headquarters with excessive force and violence" after three people were killed in incidents on the fringes of the sit-in last week.

Negotiations between protest leaders and the ruling military council have broken down, as the two sides have failed to agree on whether a planned transitional body would be headed by a civilian or a military figure.

At least two people were killed on Monday as Sudan's military council tried to break up a sit-in outside Khartoum's army headquarters, a doctors' committee said as gunfire was heard from the protest site.

At least two people were killed on Monday as Sudan's military council tried to break up a sit-in outside Khartoum's army headquarters, a doctors' committee said as gunfire was heard from the protest site. "Two peaceful protesters were killed by live bullets fired at the orders of the Transitional Military Council," the Central Committee of Sudanese Doctors said on Twitter without giving further details. Gunfire was heard from the protest site by an AFP journalist, who reported a heavy deployment of security forces around the streets of the capital. There were multiple reports of the military using force to disperse the sit-in in front of army headquarters, where protesters have been camped out for weeks. "Now an attempt is taking place to disperse the sit-in at the headquarters of the people's armed forces by force by the military council," said the Sudanese Professionals Association, the group which spearheaded nationwide protests that started in December. Rallies against the authoritarian rule of Omar al-Bashir led to his ouster in April, but demonstrators have remained to call on the generals to cede power to a transitional authority. Near the demonstration site, a witness living in the Burri neighbourhood said he could "hear the sound of gunfire and I see a plume of smoke rising from the area of the sit-in." Another resident of the area, in east Khartoum, said he had seen forces in "police uniform" trying to expel the demonstrators. Britain's ambassador to Khartoum, Irfan Siddiq, said he had heard "heavy gunfire" from his residence. "Extremely concerned by... reports that Sudanese security forces are attacking the protest sit-in site resulting in casualties. No excuse for any such attack. This. Must. Stop. Now," he wrote on Twitter. The SPA said it amounted to a "bloody massacre", and called on Sudanese to take part in "total civil disobedience" to topple the military council and for people for take to the streets to protest. Demonstrators had closed off Street 60, one of the main streets in the capital with stone barricades and burning tree trunks and tires, an AFP journalist said. The SPA had said on Saturday that it had reason to believe the military council was "planning and working to end the peaceful sit-in at the headquarters with excessive force and violence" after three people were killed in incidents on the fringes of the sit-in last week. Negotiations between protest leaders and the ruling military council have broken down, as the two sides have failed to agree on whether a planned transitional body would be headed by a civilian or a military figure.

At least 2 killed as Sudan military attempts to break up sit-in outside Khartoum army HQ

At least 13 protesters were shot dead and several were wounded on Monday as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-2-killed-as-sudan-military-attempts-to-break-up-sit-in-outside-khartoum-army-hq-223791">Sudan’s ruling military tried to break up a sit-in protest</a> outside army headquarters in Khartoum, a doctors’ committee close to demonstrators said.

It said the death toll "from the massacre today has risen to nine martyrs, with four new martyrs," since its last statement, the Central Committee of Sudanese Doctors said on its Facebook page.

However, military rulers have denied the report.

"We did not disperse the sit-in by force," said Shamseddine Kabbashi, spokesman for the ruling military council.

"The tents are there, and the youth are moving freely," Kabbashi told local media.

There were multiple reports of the military using force to disperse the sit-in in front of army headquarters, where protesters have been camped out for weeks.

Rallies against the authoritarian rule of Omar al-Bashir led to his ouster in April, but demonstrators have remained to call on the generals to cede power to a transitional authority.

Demonstrators had closed off Street 60, one of the main streets in the capital with stone barricades and burning tree trunks and tires, an AFP journalist said.

(With inputs from AFP)

At least 13 protesters were shot dead and several were wounded on Monday as Sudan’s ruling military tried to break up a sit-in protest outside army headquarters in Khartoum, a doctors’ committee close to demonstrators said.

At least 13 protesters were shot dead and several were wounded on Monday as Sudan’s ruling military tried to break up a sit-in protest outside army headquarters in Khartoum, a doctors’ committee close to demonstrators said. It said the death toll "from the massacre today has risen to nine martyrs, with four new martyrs," since its last statement, the Central Committee of Sudanese Doctors said on its Facebook page. However, military rulers have denied the report. "We did not disperse the sit-in by force," said Shamseddine Kabbashi, spokesman for the ruling military council. "The tents are there, and the youth are moving freely," Kabbashi told local media. There were multiple reports of the military using force to disperse the sit-in in front of army headquarters, where protesters have been camped out for weeks. Rallies against the authoritarian rule of Omar al-Bashir led to his ouster in April, but demonstrators have remained to call on the generals to cede power to a transitional authority. Demonstrators had closed off Street 60, one of the main streets in the capital with stone barricades and burning tree trunks and tires, an AFP journalist said. (With inputs from AFP)

At least 13 killed as Sudan's ruling military tries to disperse sit-in: Report

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