Three of the most controversial figures of Sudan's ruling Transitional Military Council have offered their resignations - one of the key demands of the protest movement, BBC reports.

The three were seen as staunch Islamists and allies of the deposed President, Omar al-Bashir.

It follows talks between the military council and protest leaders.

Protest leaders want the Transitional Military Council to hand over to a civilian administration.

A mass demonstration has been called for later on Thursday in the capital, Khartoum, to maintain calls for democratic reform.

The three generals stepping down are Omar Zain al-Abideen, Jalal al-Deen al-Sheikh and Al-Tayeb Babakr Ali Fadeel.