Sudan activists say police try to break up sit-in in capital

Sudanese protesters gather near the military headquarters, Sunday, April 7, 2019, in the capital Khartoum, Sudan. Organizers behind anti-government demonstrations in Sudan said Sunday that security forces have killed at least five protesters in the last twenty-four hours. The current wave of unrest erupted in December, initially over price hikes and shortages of food and fuel, but the demonstrations quickly morphed into calls for the overthrow of President Omar al-Bashir. (AP Photo)

CAIRO – Organizers behind anti-government demonstrations in Sudan say security forces have attempted to break up a sit-in outside the military headquarters in the capital.

Sarah Abdel-Jaleel, a spokeswoman for the Sudanese Professionals Association, told The Associated Press that clashes erupted early Monday between security forces and protesters, who have been camped out in front of the complex in Khartoum since Saturday.

Footage circulated online showed security forces used tear gas, rubber bullets and live ammunition. Other footage appeared to show uniformed soldiers protecting the protesters.

The demonstrations began in December over an economic crisis but quickly escalated into calls for an end to President Omar al-Bashir's 30-year rule. Security forces have responded with a violent crackdown and dozens of people have been killed.