Tens of thousands demonstrated in cities across Sudan on Saturday, witnesses said, to mark 40 days since security forces killed dozens when they stormed a protest camp in the capital Khartoum. 

The demonstrations were the first since the ruling military council and civilian opposition agreed in principle to a power-sharing arrangement ahead of elections. The deal has yet to be finalized and signed. 

The African Union (AU) Envoy to Sudan Mohamed Hacen Lebatt announced on Saturday that the talks between Sudan's Transitional Military Council (TMC) and the opposition Freedom and Change Alliance have been pushed back. 

"The meeting, which was scheduled to be held Saturday between the TMC and the Freedom and Change Alliance, has been delayed to Sunday," Lebatt told reporters. 

He explained that the delay came at the request by the Freedom and Change Alliance for further consultation. 

On Friday, the TMC and the opposition alliance agreed on the political declaration, which determines all authorities of the transitional period. 

In Khartoum on Saturday, thousands protested on Sitteen Street, a major thoroughfare in the capital, a Reuters witness said. Some lit candles to remember those killed at the protest camp on June 3, while others lit the torches on their mobile phones. 

"We came out to express our opinion and convey our voice and salute the memory of our eternal martyrs," said protester Mostafa Sayed Ahmed. 

Six vehicles belonging to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), each carrying about six men armed with assault rifles and sticks, drove through a portion of Sitteen Street as protesters chanted "Civilian!" at them, a Reuters witness said. 

"The fate of the former regime, to us, until now, is vague and many things are unclear," said Osama Iskandar, a young protester, referring to the government of Omar al-Bashir, who was overthrown by the military on April 11. 

"We will be on the Sudanese street level until our demands are fulfilled," he said. 

(With input from Xinhua, Reuters)

(Cover: Sudanese protesters march during a demonstration in Khartoum North, Sudan, July 13, 2019. /Reuters Photo)