KHARTOM, 24 October 2021, (TON): Mass protests in Sudan show strong support for a civilian-led democracy, but analysts warn street demonstrations may have little impact on powerful factions pushing a return to military rule.

Finance Minister Gibril Ibrahim — an ex-rebel leader from Darfur, who joined the government after a landmark 2020 peace deal — took part in Friday prayers at the pro-military sit-in© ASHRAF SHAZLY Finance Minister Gibril Ibrahim — an ex-rebel leader from Darfur, who joined the government after a landmark 2020 peace deal — took part in Friday prayers at the pro-military sit-in

Under a 2019 power-sharing deal after the ouster of long-time dictator Omar al-Bashir, Sudan is ruled by a sovereign council of civilian and military representatives tasked with overseeing a transition to a full civilian government.

But cracks in the leadership are growing wider.

On Thursday, tens of thousands of Sudanese marched in several cities to back the full transfer of power to civilians, and to counter a rival days-long sit-in outside the presidential palace in the capital Khartoum demanding a return to “military rule”.

Map of Sudan locating the capital Khartoum© Sophie RAMIS Map of Sudan locating the capital Khartoum