The African Union on Thursday suspended Sudan over the deadly unrest in the country, demanding a civilian-led administration.

The body made the announcement after a meeting in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa. The decision comes days after security forces in Khartoum launched a deadly crackdown on protesters that killed dozens of people.

“The AU Peace and Security Council has with immediate effect suspended the participation of the Republic of Sudan in all AU activities until the effective establishment of a Civilian-led Transitional Authority, as the only way to allow the Sudan to exit from the current crisis,” the AU posted on Twitter.

At least 108 people were killed and more than 500 wounded, a doctor's committee linked to protesters said.

Health ministry officials said the death toll stood at 61.

On Thursday, Sudan’s pro-democracy leaders vowed to press their campaign of civil disobedience until the ruling military council resigns.

 Military rulers had offered on Wednesday to reopen talks. But the offer was reject by protest leaders who called for justice.

The deadly crackdown began with a violent dispersal of the protest movement’s sit-in camp, outside the military headquarters in Khartoum on Monday.