Sudan's civilian leaders arrested amid coup reports

Several members of Sudan's transitional government have been arrested in their homes amid reports of a military coup.

Civilian PM Abdallah Hamdok and at least four ministers were among those believed detained by unidentified soldiers shortly before dawn on Monday.

The army has not commented, but pro-democracy groups urged street protests.

Military and civilian leaders have been at odds since long-time ruler Omar al-Bashir was overthrown two years ago and the transitional government set up.

It remains unclear who is behind the arrests.

A statement from the information ministry on Facebook said the detentions were carried out by "joint military forces" and those arrested were being held in "an unidentified location".

Witnesses have said the internet is down in the capital, Khartoum, while images have appeared on social media showing angry crowds burning tyres in the streets.

The army and paramilitary have been deployed across the city, restricting the movement of civilians, a witness is quoted as saying by Reuters news agency.

Khartoum airport is now closed, and international flights are suspended.

Sudan's main pro-democracy group has called on its supporters to resist any military coup.

The military and civilian transitional authorities have been sharing power since the toppling of President Bashir in 2019.

A power-sharing deal between the military and a loose coalition of groups - the Forces for Freedom and Change (FFC) - was agreed, launching the Sovereign Council.

It was to rule the country for another year - with the aim of holding elections and transitioning to civilian rule.

But the deal has always been fractious, with a large number of rival political groups - and divisions within the military too.

Tensions grew further after a coup attempt attributed to followers of Bashir was foiled in September.

This month, opponents of Sudan's transition to democracy took to the streets of the capital, Khartoum, to call on the army to take control of the country.

Pro-democracy groups said it was an organised attempt by the military to retake power.

Last Thursday, tens of thousands of people demonstrated in Khartoum to show solidarity with the transitional government.

Support for the interim government has slumped in recent months as the country's economy has struggled.

Sudan has been unable to find a workable political system since independence in 1956 and has seen numerous coups and coup attempts.