Hamdok's decision, announced late Sunday in a public address, comes six weeks after returning to his office as part of a pact with coup leaders that he thought would safeguard Sudan's political transition. However, the pro-democracy movement rejected the accord, and Hamdok could not form a new government while thousands protested the military's power grab.

Hamdok stated in his resignation address that a roundtable discussion is necessary to agree on a new "national charter" and "draw a road map" for Sudan's democratic transition.

"I have decided to relinquish responsibility and resign as Prime Minister in order to give another man or woman of this noble country the opportunity to... assist it in completing the remaining transitional period to a civilian democratic country," Hamdok stated.

Sudan's future is further clouded by the declaration, which comes three years after an uprising that resulted in the removal of long-serving President Omar al-Bashir.

Hamdok, an economist and former United Nations official who is generally recognized by the international world, was appointed prime minister in 2019 as part of a power-sharing arrangement that included the promise of multiparty elections in 2023.

However, when the army refused to transfer power, military-civilian connections strained, and on October 25, Hamdok was dismissed and placed under house arrest. He was reinstated on November 21 as part of a settlement that included the establishment of an independent technocratic cabinet overseen by the military.

Sudan's pro-democracy movement, on the other hand, criticized the accord, insisting on the transfer of power to a civilian government.

'At a perilous crossroads.'

Hamdok stated on Sunday that his efforts to close the growing divide and resolve conflicts between political forces had failed.

"Despite everything that was done to secure the desired and necessary agreement to fulfill our promise to citizens of security, peace, justice, and an end to bloodshed, this did not occur," he stated.

Additionally, the prime minister warned that the country's prolonged political impasse might devolve into a full-fledged catastrophe, wreaking havoc on the country's already ravaged economy.

"I did everything I could to keep our country from devolving into a disaster. Now, our nation is at a perilous crossroads that could jeopardize its survival unless immediate action is taken," he stated.

Sudanese security forces forcibly dispersed large groups protesting the coup, killing at least three individuals, according to the Sudanese Doctors Central Committee (CCSD).

According to the medical group, which is affiliated with the pro-democracy movement, one of those killed was struck "violently" in the head while marching in the Sudanese city of Khartoum. The CCSD reported a second person was shot in the chest in Khartoum's twin city of Omdurman, adding that scores of protestors were also injured.

Despite increased security and bridges and roads being shut in Khartoum and Omdurman, the protests occurred. According to advocacy group NetBlocs, internet connections were also interrupted before the demonstrations. Since October's coup, authorities have routinely deployed such techniques.

Sunday's murders bring the total number of protestors killed to at least 57 since the military takeover, according to CCSD. Additionally, hundreds of people have been injured.

Following Hamdok's resignation on Sunday, the US asked Sudan's leaders to "put differences aside, reach consensus, and ensure the continuation of civilian rule."

The US Department of State also urged for the appointment of the next prime minister and cabinet "in accordance with the [2019] constitutional declaration in order to achieve the people's goals of freedom, peace, and justice" in a statement on Twitter.