Protesters draped in the Sudanese flag turned out in large numbers despite heightened security and the closure of major roads and bridges in the capital.

Weekly demonstrations have taken place since the country’s junta leader Lt Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan deposed a civilian-led government in October 2021, derailing a transition to democracy.

Since then, the Sudanese Central Doctors Committee has reported about 119 deaths as security forces often used live bullets and tear gas to put down demonstrations.

Political talks to restore civilian authorities have been marred by mistrust between opposition groups and the junta, which has given the latter the upper hand ahead of elections planned for next year.

In recent months, Lt Gen Burhan has reinstated allies of former long-serving president Omar al-Bashir – who was deposed in April 2019 – and concentrated power around the army.

The political stalemate has forced Western donors to withdraw financial support, further crippling Sudan’s battered economy.