3 killed as thousands protests in Sudan to demand 'civilian rule'

KHARTOUM, Sudan

At least three protesters were killed on Thursday amid rallies that took place in different areas across Sudan, including its capital Khartoum, that demanded the restoration of civilian rule, according to medical professionals.

At least three protesters have been killed by live munitions in Omdurman, the twin city of the capital Khartoum across the White Nile River, while dozens were injured or affected by tear gas, the Central Committee of the Sudanese Doctors said in a statement.

"The security organs have used massive violence against the protesters especially in Omdurman where at least three killed and others injured, hospitals have been also attacked. We warned the security forces not to use the massive violence and stop it immediately," said the statement.

In the meantime, offices of the media outlets, including the Al-Arabiya, Skynews, and Alsharg TV channels, have been raided by the security forces, the Sudanese journalist network said in a statement Thursday evening.

Al-Arabiya further published a video showing some of its staff injured due to the attack on their office by the security forces.

The rallies took place in several areas in Khartoum, Kasala, and Port Sudan in the country's east, as well as the northern city of Atbara, according to Anadolu Agency correspondent on the ground.

During the rallies, protesters called for democratic civilian rule and decried a recent political deal between the military and Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok.

Internet services on Thursday were down in the capital and other areas prior to the demonstrations as providers cut mobile services, with only landline connections remaining available.

Neither authorities nor internet providers have so far commented on the issue.

On Wednesday, security authorities closed multiple bridges and overland routes, installing concrete barriers and barbed wire on roads leading to the presidential palace.

The calls for protest were made by the Sudanese Professionals Association, which rejected the deal signed last month and called for full civilian rule.

Sudan has been in turmoil since Oct. 25 when the Sudanese military dismissed Hamdok's transitional government and declared a state of emergency.

Hamdok, however, was reinstated on Nov. 21 under an agreement with army chief Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan in a move rejected by Sudanese political and civil forces as an "attempt to legitimize the coup."

On Saturday, thousands of protesters took to the streets in Khartoum and other cities to push for full civilian rule in the north African country.

Before the Oct. 25 military takeover, Sudan was administered by a sovereign council of military and civilian officials overseeing the transition period until elections in 2023 as part of a precarious power-sharing pact between the military and the Forces of Freedom and Change coalition.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar in Ankara.