The African Union has suspended Sudan from all its activities until civilian rule is restored in the country.

In a statement, the continent-wide bloc strongly condemned the seizure of power  and suspended Sudan from all AU activities until the effective restoration of the civilian-led transitional authority.

Meanwhile, Sudan security forces have launched sweeping arrests of anti-coup protesters, in a bid to end three days of demonstrations against a military takeover.

Armed forces deployed in large numbers after the forces protests clashed with security personnel in the capital Khartoum, fired tear gas and arresting several leading pro-democracy activists.