Death toll of Sudanese protestors since Oct. 25 coup reaches 103

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Sudanese security forces on Wednesday killed a protester during the latest rallies against last year's military coup, medics said. 

The protester, yet to be identified, died after taking a "shot to the chest" during rallies in North Khartoum, explained the Central Committee of Sudan Doctors.

According to the Committee, the latest death brings to 103 the number of those killed during a crackdown on protests since the October 25 coup led by army chief Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan.

Wednesday's demonstrations saw hundreds taking to the streets in several neighborhoods around Khartoum to call for civilian rule. 

Many were carrying banners urging demonstrators to take to the streets in large numbers on Thursday, according to witnesses. 

The killing took place as Western diplomats and the United Nations urged Sudanese authorities to refrain from violence against protesters ahead of Thursday's planned protest, which marks 33 years since ousted President Omar Al-Bashir seized power in a coup. 

Bashir was ousted in April 2019, and later that year a power-sharing deal was established between the military and civilians, but that transition was upended by Burhan's own coup last year.  

Sudan, one of the world's poorest countries, has since last year's coup plunged into deepening unrest, characterized by near-weekly protests, soaring prices, life-threatening food shortages, and ethnic clashes. 

The UN, the African Union, and the regional bloc IGAD have been pushing to facilitate direct talks among Sudanese factions to resolve the crisis.

Earlier this month, military officials, representatives from several political parties, and senior members from ex-rebel groups attended the start of talks.