INTERNATIONAL: Security forces fanned out across a wide swathe of central Khartoum on Thursday 26th May, as police attempted to block the latest protests against military rule of the last seven months.

Thousands of protesters, the most seen in about two months, marched towards the presidential palace in downtown Khartoum demonstrating for civilian leadership and against an October 25 military coup.

The country remains without a prime minister since January, amid political deadlock and an economic spiral after military leadership removed a joint civilian and military-led government from power.

An ongoing United Nations and African Union-sponsored process has yet to yield an agreement between the country's main political factions and the military.

A reporter estimated that protesters were met with about 2,000 members of police as well as the Central Reserve Forces, which have been subject to U.S. sanctions for alleged human rights violations.

Security forces blanketed the residential neighbourhoods around the protest route, aiming tear gas at protesters starting about 3.5 kilometers away from the palace.

Activist, Shahinaz Gamal, Said:

"Today, there are a lot of injuries. They are targeting children and women who are especially hit in the head and eyes. A woman told me she was hit by a security vehicle (which is firing tear gas). When the vehicle approached them, they (protesters) moved to the ground (to avoid fire), but the vehicle got too close and hit her in the head. Women are being injured in their eyes, on the sides of their eyes and close to them, as well as their heads. Women and children are clearly targeted."

At least 96 people have been killed in the protests since October by security forces, according to medics, and thousands have been injured. Lawyers say dozens of protesters and activists remain in detention.