Sudanese security forces move to break up anti-coup protests

KHARTOUM, Sudan — Sudanese security forces launch sweeping arrests of anti-coup protesters today, in a bid to end three days of demonstrations against a military takeover that has sparked widespread international condemnation.

Armed forces deploy in large numbers after overnight protests saw clashes in the capital Khartoum, with officers firing tear gas and arresting several leading pro-democracy activists, including from Sudan’s largest political party, the Umma Party.

“Police forces have removed all the barricades since Wednesday morning and arrested all the people who stood near them,” says Hady Bashir, a protester, after AFP correspondents saw security forces clear rocks and tires blocking major streets in Khartoum.

Since top General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan on Monday ordered the dissolution of the government and declared a state of emergency, thousands of citizens have maintained protests, chanting “No to military rule.”

Shops have remained closed following calls for a campaign of civil disobedience, as pro-democracy movements ratcheted up calls for “million-strong protests” on Saturday.