Sudanese rally to demand military rulers leave

Thousands of Sudanese took to streets on Thursday in capital of Khartoum, renewing ir demand for a fully civilian government and denouncing country's military rulers who were behind October coup.

Since takeover, protesters have repeatedly taken to streets in some of largest demonstrations in past years.

Sudanese security forces have cracked down on rallies and have killed more than 40 protesters so far, according to activist groups.

Meanwhile, Sudanese Doctors Committee, which is part of pro-democracy movement, said that 17 people were killed in clashes between Arab and non-Arab tribes in restive province of West Darfur last week.

tribal violence is unrelated to anti-coup protests.

Thursday's demonstrations followed military's signing of a power-sharing deal with prime minister, after he was released from house arrest and reinstated by generals as he of government.

agreement came almost a month after generals orchestrated coup that deposed Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok and detained dozens of politicians and activists.

Hamdok’s reinstatement was biggest concession me by military since its October 25 coup but leaves country’s transition to democracy mired in crisis.

Sudan’s key pro-democracy groups and political parties have dismissed deal as falling short of ir demands for a fully civilian rule.

Sudan has been struggling with its transition to a democratic government since overthrow of autocrat Omar al-Bashir in 2019, following a mass uprising against three deces of his rule.

Protesters marched Thursday through Khartoum, beating drums and waving Sudanese flags.

Many chanted: “ people want to bring down regime” and “Woe to military.”

Sudanese Professionals Association, group that spearheed uprising that culminated in al-Bashir's ouster, h called for rallies and vowed to carry on with protests until “ corrupt military junta is brought down and prosecuted for ir crimes."

Similar protests were held elsewhere in Sudan, including in provinces of Kassala, North Darfur, West Kordofan and Norrn Sudan.

Activists circulated videos on social media showing tear gas being fired at protesters.

re was no immediate word of any injuries.

deal that Hamdok signed with military on Sunday envisions an independent, technocratic Cabinet to be led by prime minister until new elections are held.

However, government would still remain under military oversight though Hamdok claimed he will have power to appoint ministers.

agreement has angered Sudan’s pro-democracy movement, which accuses Hamdok of allowing himself to serve as a fig leaf for continued military rule.

deal also stipulates that all political detainees arrested following October 25 coup be released.

So far, several ministers and politicians have been freed.

number of those still in detention remains unknown.

IMAGE: AP