Sudan declares state of emergency in Darfur region

Sudan has declared a state of emergency in the western region of Darfur, according to state media.

The move follows an escalation of clashes between demonstrators and security forces after weeks of protests.

The African Union-United Nations Mission in Darfur said it had sent a team to the town of Kutum following the reported burning of a police station and cars.

On Sunday, security forces fired live rounds to disperse another protest, reportedly killing five people.

There have been peaceful demonstrations and sit-ins in many parts of the region, calling for the dismissal of corrupt officials and the withdrawal of armed militias from towns and villages.

The Sudanese Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok on Sunday pledged to address the insecurity.