SUDAN’S transitional government has led a brutal crackdown on protesters demanding its resignation after it agreed controversial economic reforms in a deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Hundreds took to the streets of the capital Khartoum on Wednesday calling for “the fall of the regime” while rejecting IMF policies. 

They burned tyres and held banners reading: “Bread for the poor” before police fired tear gas to disperse the crowds.

The IMF approved a $2.5 billion loan and debt relief deal on Tuesday which Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdock said put Sudan “on the right track” in terms of its economic recovery.

But Sudanese people face severe hardship and the end of government subsidies on basic items under the terms of the agreement.

Wednesday’s protests marked the second anniversary of the anti-government demonstrations that led to the military junta to enter negotiations with the Sudanese Professionals Association, leading to the current power-sharing administration.

Last week the transitional government agreed that former president Omar al-Bashir, who was ousted after 30 years in power in April 2019, may be handed over to the International Criminal Court to face charges of war crimes and genocide.

He is currently in prison in Sudan after being jailed on corruption charges.