Sudanese security forces have arrested a top opposition leader who suggested the country is ready for a Tunisia-style uprising.
Family members of Hassan al-Turabi say security agents came to his Khartoum home late Monday and took him into custody. At least eight members of Turabi's Popular Congress Party have also been arrested.
In an interview with the French news agency, AFP, this week, Turabi said street protests that led to the ouster of Tunisia's president are likely to erupt in Sudan as well.
Turabi was once a close ally of Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir but broke with the president in 1999 and set up his own party.
The government has long accused him of having links to Darfur's leading rebel group, the Justice and Equality Movement.
His arrest comes as Mr. Bashir's government deals with the likely secession of southern Sudan.
Early results show southern voters overwhelmingly chose to separate from the north in a referendum last week.