Sudanese doctors announced Monday they have been on strike in support of the ongoing protests in the country that erupted last week. Meanwhile, Sudanese civil society groups called on President Omar al-Bashir to step down, despite his assertion that the government will continue with its economic reforms that provide citizens with a "decent life." Bashir praised the security services in their efforts to protect the country, calling on citizens to ignore rumors. Protests turned violent in several cities of the country, such as Babnosa, in the west, al-Manaqil, in the center and al-Goled, in the north, according to eyewitnesses. People also participated in night demonstrations in the capital, Khartoum, especially in the neighborhoods of Suba and Haj Youssef. Protesters burned tires and blocked roads before security forces dispersed them with tear gas. In the meantime, Sudanese doctors began a work strike, excluding emergency cases, following a decision by the Central Committee of Sudanese Doctors Monday. Doctors participating in Monday’s strike protested violence against citizens, according to a statement issued by the committee. Doctors from at least three hospitals in Khartoum joined the strike, according to witnesses, who added that the number of participants is expected to increase. Khartoum is expected to witness a large gathering Tuesday morning, called by “Sudanese Professional Associations", which will march to the Presidential Palace, where it will submit a memorandum requesting Bashir’s resignation. Opposition parties announced their support and participation in the march, including the Umma National Party, which called on all its members to take part in “an important step on the road to liberating our people from oppression." In a statement issued by its General Secretariat, the party denounced the “horrendous crimes against citizens”, adding that the state of panic gripping the regime forced it to commit these acts. The party pledged to take adequate measures to put an end to the killings, torture and detention. Moreover, it called on the international community to take responsibility for what is happening in the country. For his part, Bashir reiterated that the governments will continue with economic reforms that ensure citizens with a "decent living”. During his meeting Monday with the command of the Security and Intelligence Service, he called on the citizens to “give no account to the promoters of rumors” promising real measures that will restore the their confidence in the banking system, according to Sudan News Agency (SUNA). Meanwhile, the Sudanese Communist Party condemned security forces for forcibly breaking into its headquarters in Khartoum and arresting one of its leaders. The party denied charges of sabotage, accusing the security forces using subversive measures to justify its repression and killing of peaceful protesters. The partys secretary-general, Mohammad Mokhtar al-Khatib, assured in a press conference that his party will continue the protests with the people until the overthrow of Bashir. Earlier, the ruling National Congress Party (NCP) accused the Communist Party of burning its offices and headquarters during the protests and vowed to retaliate, according to local media.