'Democratic aspirations of the Sudanese people' must be met urges Guterres, following military removal of al-Bashir from power.

UN chief Antonio Guterres said on Thursday that the 'democratic aspirations of the Sudanese people' need to be realized through 'an appropriate and inclusive transition process', following the overthrow and arrest of President Omar al-Bashir by order of the country's new military governing council.

In a statement issued in New York by his Spokesperson, the Secretary-General said he would continue to follow development 'very closely' and reiterated his call for calm and 'utmost restraint by all'.

In announcing the end of Mr. Bashir's rule via State television, Sudan's defence minister said that he was being held 'in a secure place', and the army would now oversee a two-year period of transition back to full civilian rule.

But on Thursday night, according to news reports, thousands of Sudanese in the capital Khartoum defied a military curfew which was supposed to keep citizens off the streets from 10pm until 4am, raising fears of fresh violence between security forces and protesters, as well as possible clashes between militia and army units.

An official message carried on State-run media stated that 'the armed forces and security council will carry out its duty to uphold peace', protect citizens' security, and 'citizens' livelihoods'.

Mr. Guterres said in his statement that the UN 'stands ready to support the Sudanese people as they chart a new way forward.' Earlier in the day, a group of UN human rights experts condemned reports of 'excessive use of force against peaceful protesters in Sudan' during the past six days of heightened protest leading up to the overthrow of President Bashir, when tens-of-thousands took to the streets, holding a sit-in outside army headquarters in central Khartoum.

'While taking note of the latest reports that a military council is being formed', the experts called on the authorities to respond to 'the legitimate grievances of the people.'

More than 20 killed, 100 injured in protests

More than 20 people have been killed and over 100 injured since 6 April, the experts said, adding they had also received reports of widespread arrests and attacks on journalists by the security forces.

At the sit-in prior to the military takeover, the National Intelligence and Security Services used live ammunition and tear gas to disperse protesters, prompting the army to move in to protect them.

"In this moment of crisis, the exercise of the rights to freedom of expression and freedom of peaceful assembly needs to be protected and...