Khartoum - Sudan's defence minister said on Thursday that President Omar al-Bashir had been detained "in a safe place" and that a military council would run the country for a two-year transitional period.

In a statement broadcast on state TV Defence Minister Award Mohamed Ahmed Ibn Auf said there would be elections at the end of the transitional period.

Sudan's National Intelligence and Security Service has announced the release of all political prisoners across the country, state news agency SUNA reported on Thursday.

Shortly after the announcement, Twitter users circulated photos showing former detainees being welcomed by protesters as they joined demonstrations against Omar al-Bashir.

Protesters have been waiting for a statement from Sudan's military, as sources said Bashir had been forced to step down from the presidency after three decades in power and moves were under way to form a transitional council.