KHARTOUM, 31 October 2021, (TON): Sudanese anti-coup protesters plan to flood the streets to demonstrate against a military takeover that has derailed the country’s transition to civilian rule and triggered deadly clashes.

The military detained Sudan’s civilian leadership, dissolved the government and declared a state of emergency, leading to a chorus of international condemnation.

Street protests erupted against the coup, triggering a crackdown by the security forces that has left dead at least eight demonstrators and wounded around 170.

Despite the bloodshed, the protesters remain defiant, with organizers hoping to stage a “million-strong” march against the military’s power grab.

“We will not be ruled by the military. That is the message we will convey” at the protests, said Sudanese rights activist Tahani Abbas.

Abbas said “the military forces are bloody and unjust and we are anticipating what is about to happen on the streets.”

Monday’s takeover was led by General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan Sudan’s de facto leader since the 2019 ouster of longtime autocrat Omar Al-Bashir after huge youth-led protests.

Several pro-democracy activists have been arrested.

On the eve of Saturday’s rallies, a US official put the death toll at between 20 and 30, adding the protests would be a “real test” of the intentions of Sudan’s military.