Sudan’s opposition halts talks after deadly violence

KHARTOUM

Sudanese opposition alliance on Monday announced the indefinite suspension of talks with the country’s Transitional Military Council (TMC), after security forces moved in to clear the main protest camp near the army headquarters in the capital.

In statement, the Change and Freedom alliance blamed the TMC responsible for the attack on the protesters.

“We here declared the stop of the negotiations with the TMC and we hold the council responsible for the planning and implementation of this massacre that led to the killing of at least 13 protesters and the injury of hundreds of them," the statement said.

The opposition called for observing a general strike and civil disobedience.

It has further called on the regional and international communities not to recognize the TMC and stand with the options of the Sudanese people.

In early April, Sudan’s military establishment deposed al-Bashir following months of popular demonstrations against his 30-year rule.

The TMC is now overseeing a two-year transitional period during which it has pledged to hold presidential elections.

Demonstrators, however, have remained on the streets to demand that the TMC relinquish power -- at the earliest possible date -- to a civilian authority.