Sudan security forces 'carry out raids' on eve of mass protests

Khartoum: Sudan’s main opposition has accused security forces — who are under the directive of the traditional military government — of conducting illegal raids at their offices on the eve of mass protests against their rule.

The protests had been planned to be ‘million strong’ with the purpose of forcing the military rule to hand over reins to a civilian government.

However, reports suggest that Sudanese security forces have been patrolling the capital Khartoum on Sunday and there is no sign of any mass protests yet.

The military came to power after it overthrew Omar al-Bashir in April following a populist uprising. Bashir had been at the helm of Sudan since he took power in a coup in 1989.

The military said that it was opposing the mass protests on the grounds that the opposition’s rally will cause “large-scale loss of life” if it were to continue.

The military also said it would hold the opposition responsible for any violence or loss of life in the protests.

Gen Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemeti, warned of "vandals" and a "concealed agenda" that might take advantage of the demonstrations.

Shops in Khartoum have been shut ahead of the protests.