KHARTOUM, 01 December 2021, (TON): Sudanese security forces deployed tear gas against tens of thousands of protesters gathering in central Khartoum to oppose military rule following last month's coup.

Neighbourhood resistance committees called the protests, demanding full civilian authority, casting aside an agreement last week that reinstated civilian Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok and brought the release of most top politicians detained since the coup.

The October 25 takeover ended a partnership with civilian political groups since the toppling of Omar al-Bashir in 2019 and drew condemnation from Western powers, which have suspended aid.

While bridges between the capital's sister cities were left open at the start of the protests, heavily armed police forces took to central Khartoum, where protesters planned to march on the presidential palace.

Police fired tear gas and stun grenades as protesters gathered about a kilometre (0.6 mile) from the palace, blocking a main road and chanting Soldiers belong in the barracks.

Forces chased protesters in and out of side streets, where the protesters began barricading and gathering in smaller groups.

In a statement, the Sudanese Professionals Association said protesters were being arrested.