Thousands gather in Sudan for mass demonstration in support of civilian rule

Tens of thousands of protesters returned to the streets in Khartoum and other cities in Sudan on Sunday to call for civilian rule in the country while marching toward the homes of those killed since the uprising began.

Sudanese police have reportedly fired tear gas to disperse the protesters, while the Sudan Doctors Committee said a protester was shot dead in the city of Atbara.

The demonstrations come amid a weeks-long standoff between the ruling military council and protest leaders, who are at odds over how the country should transition to democracy after the military ousted longtime president Omar al-Bashir following months-long protests against his rule.

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Talks between the two sides collapsed earlier in June when security forces violently stormed a protest camp, resulting in a high number of civilian casualties. The military council on Friday, though, said it was open to resuming negotiations.

Prior to the protests, the military council said it was not opposed to the march, but would hold the opposition responsible for any violence or loss of life. Security forces were patrolling the streets and reportedly raided a press conference held by the opposition in the lead up to the gathering.