Sudan Security Forces Clash with Protesters in Khartoum

Protesters are seen in Khartoum on Tuesday. (AFP)
Protesters are seen in Khartoum on Tuesday. (AFP)
TT

Sudan Security Forces Clash with Protesters in Khartoum

Protesters are seen in Khartoum on Tuesday. (AFP)
Protesters are seen in Khartoum on Tuesday. (AFP)

Sudanese protesters tried to march onto the presidential palace in Khartoum on Tuesday but were intercepted by security forces, who fired tear gas to disperse them.

Sudan’s security forces blocked some bridges linking the three cities of the capital (Khartoum, Bahri, and Omdurman), ahead of the resistance committees’ calls for a million-strong march to protest the deteriorating economic conditions.

The police were also deployed at the main entrances leading to central Khartoum.

A large crowd of protesters in Omdurman marched on the parliament but riot police dispersed them with excessive force.

The resistance committees leading the popular movement had called for uniting efforts against the oppressive economic policies, demanding an end to military rule and the establishment of a country of freedom, peace, dignity, and justice.

Meanwhile, a high-ranking delegation of the Forces for Freedom and Change (FFC) arrived in South Sudan's capital Juba to discuss the framework agreement reached last month and the latest developments in Sudan.

This visit is part of a trip that includes a number of Arab and African countries, and is the FCC’s first foreign tour.

The delegation will meet with South Sudan President Salva Kiir and other officials, according to a statement issued by the FFC foreign relations committee.

The FFC stressed the significance of cooperation with the government of South Sudan in order to contribute effectively to the political process.

This would accelerate the civil democratic transformation and reinforce rapprochement and integration between both fraternal states, added the statement.



US Says Committed to 'Diplomatic Resolution' in Lebanon

FILE - Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin speaks in Greenwich, London, Sept. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung, Pool, File)
FILE - Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin speaks in Greenwich, London, Sept. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung, Pool, File)
TT

US Says Committed to 'Diplomatic Resolution' in Lebanon

FILE - Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin speaks in Greenwich, London, Sept. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung, Pool, File)
FILE - Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin speaks in Greenwich, London, Sept. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung, Pool, File)

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stressed that the United States was dedicated to a diplomatic resolution in Lebanon and urged Israel to improve "dire" conditions in Gaza, in a call Saturday with his Israeli counterpart.

Austin "reiterated US commitment to a diplomatic resolution in Lebanon that allows Israeli and Lebanese civilians to return safely to their homes on both sides of the border" in his call with Israel Katz, according to a Pentagon spokesperson.

Austin also "urged the Government of Israel to continue to take steps to improve the dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza and emphasized the US commitment to securing the release of all hostages, including US citizens."

Lebanon said Saturday that an Israeli air strike in the heart of Beirut that brought down a residential building and jolted residents across the city killed at least 11 people.

Israel stepped up its campaign against the Hezbollah militant group in late September, targeting its strongholds in Lebanon.

Lebanon's health ministry says at least 3,645 people have been killed since October 2023, when Hezbollah began trading fire with Israel in solidarity with its Palestinian ally Hamas.

The United Nations and others have repeatedly decried humanitarian conditions, particularly in northern Gaza, where Israel said Friday it had killed two commanders involved in Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack.

In the call with Katz, Austin also discussed ongoing Israeli operations and reaffirmed Washington's "ironclad commitment to Israel's security," the Pentagon said.