Protesters in northern Sudan besiege security HQ

KHARTOUM

Protesters on Thursday evening laid siege to the headquarters of Sudan’s National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) in the northern city of Atbara to demand the release of detained demonstrators, according to witnesses.

Security forces eventually dispersed the protesters, leaving a number of people injured, witnesses said.

Shortly after the confrontation, however, NISS officials complied with protesters’ demands by releasing a number of detainees, according to witnesses.

Earlier the same day, the Sudanese army announced the "removal" of President Omar al-Bashir and the imposition of a two-year transitional phase to be overseen by the military.

It also announced the imposition of a three-month countrywide state of emergency, along with the suspension of Sudan’s 2005 constitution.

The army further announced the dissolution of the Sudanese presidency, parliament and council of ministers.

Sudan has been shaken by protests since last December, with demonstrators demanding the resignation of al-Bashir, who has ruled Sudan since 1989.