Sudan’s Omar Al Bashir steps down

Unconfirmed reports indicate that Sudan President Omar Al-Bashir has stepped down after months of protests.

The minister of production and economic resources in North Darfur Adel Mahjoub Hussein told the Dubai-based al-Hadath TV that “there are consultations to form a military council to take over power after President Bashir stepped down”.

The protests, which erupted in December, have become the biggest challenge yet to Bashir’s three decades of rule.

Thursday marked the sixth day of a defiant sit-in outside the military’s headquarters, which also houses Bashir’s official residence and the defence ministry.

Crowds of demonstrators have spent five nights thronging the sprawling complex, singing and dancing to revolutionary songs.

Al Jazeera’s Hiba Morgan reporting from the Sudanese capital, Khartoum said there was a heavy security presence on the city’s main roads.

“There are a lot of military trucks around the capital and around the main streets of the city. Most roads have been blocked especially those leading to the army HQ. There are a few roads opened for the protesters who have been participating in the sit-in,” Morgan said.

“People are extremely happy even before the army made any announcement. People are celebrating and pouring in to the sit-in area,” Morgan added.

Bashir, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court on charges of war crimes and genocide, came to power in a 1989 coup. He remains one of the longest serving presidents in Africa.

Bashir’s ruling National Congress Party said plans to hold a rally backing the president on Thursday had been postponed.

Government officials say 49 people have died in protest-related violence since demonstrations first erupted in December with an outcry over rising living costs.