Members of Sudan's transitional government and other civilian leaders have been arrested amid reports of a military coup.
Prime Minister Abdallah Hamdok is among those reported to have been put under house arrest by unidentified soldiers.
The army has not commented, but pro-democracy groups urged street protests.
Military and civilian leaders have been at odds since long-time ruler Omar al-Bashir was overthrown two years ago and the transitional government set up.
It remains unclear who was behind the pre-dawn arrests.
A statement from the information ministry on Facebook said the detentions were carried out by "joint military forces" and those arrested were being held in "an unidentified location".
The ministry said soldiers had stormed the HQ of the state broadcaster in Omdurman and detained staff there.
It also said Mr Hamdok was being pressed to support a coup but was refusing to do so and he urged people to continue with peaceful protests to "defend the revolution".
The United States was "deeply alarmed" by the coup reports, its special envoy for the Horn of Africa, Jeffrey Feltman, said. The UN, EU and Arab League also expressed deep concern.
Witnesses have said that the internet is down in the north African nation's capital, Khartoum, while images have appeared on social media showing angry crowds burning tyres in the streets.
The army and paramilitary have been deployed across the city, restricting the movement of civilians, a witness is quoted as saying by Reuters news agency.
Khartoum airport is now closed, and international flights are suspended.
Sudan's main pro-democracy group has called on its supporters to resist any military coup.
The military and civilian transitional authorities have ruled together since President Bashir was toppled after months of street protests in 2019.
A power-sharing deal between the military and a loose coalition of groups - the Forces for Freedom and Change (FFC) - had been agreed, launching the Sovereign Council.
It was to rule the country for another year - with the aim of holding elections and transitioning to civilian rule.
But the deal has always been fractious, with a large number of rival political groups - and divisions within the military too.
Tensions grew further after a coup attempt attributed to followers of Mr Bashir was foiled in September.
This month, opponents of Sudan's transition to democracy took to the streets of the capital, Khartoum, to call on the army to take control of the country.
Pro-democracy groups said it was an organised attempt by the military to retake power.
Last Thursday, tens of thousands of people demonstrated in Khartoum to show solidarity with the transitional government.
Support for the interim government has slumped in recent months as the country's economy has struggled.
Sudan has been unable to find a workable political system since independence in 1956 and has seen numerous coups and coup attempts.
Latest Stories
-
We have a bad technical team; Otto Addo and his team should go – Ernest Thompson
45 mins -
Hindsight: Why Accra Lions’ present problems do not define them
1 hour -
10-year-old Lisa Laryea arrives at Wits Donald Gordon Hospital in South Africa for bone marrow transplant
2 hours -
23 ambassadors inducted to take on 2025 GSTEP Challenge in three regions
2 hours -
Ghana Shea Workers Union inaugurated
2 hours -
I trust Bawumia; he has never lied to me – Akufo-Addo
2 hours -
Bawumia is hardworking; offers the youth platform to share ideas – Kow Essuman
2 hours -
IGP, Police commanders worship with churches in Ghana as part of security arrangements for 2024 elections
3 hours -
Mahama is a failed president; give Bawumia a chance – Akufo-Addo to Ghanaians
3 hours -
‘No child left behind in Free SHS’ – Akufo-Addo declares
3 hours -
MMDAs tasked to pay more attention to TB cases
3 hours -
2024/25 GPL: Defending champions Samartex suffer second consecutive loss as Basake Holy Stars wins 1-0
3 hours -
Government stands firm in Galamsey fight, says Akufo-Addo
3 hours -
National Peace Council assures public of violent free elections
3 hours -
Agenda 111 to be discontinued if NDC comes to power – Akufo-Addo
3 hours