Opponents of Sudan's military coup have called for countrywide rallies on Saturday to demand the reinstatement of a civilian-led administration to put the country back on the path to democracy after decades of authoritarian rule.

Thousands of Sudanese have already marched to the streets this week to protest General Abdel Fattah al-coup, Burhan's which ousted Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok's government in a coup that has resulted in Western powers freezing hundreds of millions of dollars in aid.

With at least 11 demonstrators dead this week in clashes with security forces, opponents of the junta predict a full-fledged crackdown and more death. 

“The army should go back to its barracks and give the leadership to Hamdok,” said an activist who gave his name as Mohamed, who plans to protest. “Our demand is a civilian country, a democratic country, nothing less than that.”

With the government restricting internet and phone connections, opponents of the coup have attempted to mobilize for the demonstration using leaflets, SMS messaging, graffiti, and neighborhood gatherings.

Despite the imprisonment of important officials, neighborhood-based resistance groups have been essential to organizing since the rebellion against ousted President Omar al-Bashir began in December 2018.

Bashir, who ruled Sudan for over three decades, was toppled by the army after months of unrest.