SUDANESE bank workers walked out today as they joined nationwide protests against military rule, with the opposition demanding elections for a civilian government.

Employees of the Central Bank of Sudan organised a demonstration and announced they were joining those calling for the Transitional Military Council (TMC) that came to power after the ousting of president Omar al-Bashir in April to step aside.

They joined the Sudanese opposition and called for “a political strike and civil disobedience” if their demands were not met.

Mr Bashir stood down in April after months of protests, which initially started over the tripling of the price of bread. 

The movement has been spearheaded by the Sudanese Professionals Association (SPA) — an umbrella organisation including doctors’ and lawyers’ associations, trade unions and opposition parties.

Sudan’s armed forces insist that the TMC will govern the country for a two-year transitional period before ushering in civilian rule. 

Negotiations between the TMC and representatives of the opposition have stalled after they initially showed encouraging signs with the framework of a joint administration agreed by both sides.

The Sudanese Communist Party has insisted that civilian forces should have the majority in any new governing body, including the presidency.

It said the people’s revolution will bring an end to the vicious cycle of military coups that has destroyed the country.

The SPA has called for a general strike and the restoration of trade unions that were banned under Mr Bashir’s regime.

The Alliance for Freedom and Change asked for support from the people of Sudan as they rallied in Khartoum on Thursday.

“We have one pending issue with the Transitional Military Council; the composition of the new sovereign council for which we have no agreement,” it said.

“We have all alternatives, to launch a strike or a civil disobedience movement. The decision is yours.”