The crowds chanted the movement's catch cry"peace, justice, freedom" as they marched towards the complex where the defence ministry is also based.
Chanting "One Army, One People," the protesters rallied in the capital's streets following a call by organisers to march on the compound, which also includes Bashir's residence. The large opposition Umma Party said security forces arrested four of its leaders ahead of planned marches in the province of Sennar, around 360 kilometres east of Khartoum.Soon after reaching the compound, organisers called on the protesters to hold in place outside its fortified walls.
Since the protests erupted, security agents and riot police have cracked down on demonstrators but the army has not intervened. Demonstrations first erupted on December 19 after a government decision to triple the price of bread.