Sudan forces disperse protesters trying to deliver anti-government petition

Sudanese security forces fired tear gas at protesters on Thursday after they attempted to deliver an anti-government petition to the local headquarters of President Omar al-Bashir's ruling party.

More than 200 people took part in the demonstration, which was dispersed before protesters managed to reach the building.

The demonstration represented a group of political parties who want Bashir, who seized power in a 1989 military coup, to dissolve the government and set a date for elections.

Signatories included the Umma Party led by opposition figure Mubarak al-Fadil al-Mahdi, the Reform Now Movement, and the Democratic Unionist Party.

The petition also demanded an investigation into alleged abuses by security forces during two weeks of anti-government protests across Sudan.

Earlier, Sudan's largest opposition groups called for a fresh wave of protests to demand that Bashir step down, as the long-time ruler made another attempt at staunching popular discontent by promising wage hikes and appealing to patriotism.

In a joint statement, four groups called for nationwide protests and a march on the president's Nile-side palace on Sunday. 

Sudan has seen two weeks of violent street protests, with dozens killed.

The protests were initially sparked by steep price hikes, a fuel shortage and a liquidity crunch that forced authorities to place a ceiling on bank withdrawals and led to long lines at ATMs.

Agencies contributed to this report.

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