Sudan detains AFP, Reuters journalists covering Khartoum protests

An AFP reporter and a Reuters stringer have been detained by Sudanese authorities, the country's external information council said on Saturday.

The two journalists had been covering unrest in Sudan's capital of Khartoum, where protesters have clashed with police in protests over soaring living costs.

"We do not know the circumstances of the detention and are actively seeking additional information about the situation," a Reuters spokesperson said. 

An external information council official contacted by the London-based news agency did not confirm whether charges would be brought against the pair.

Five local journalists have also been detained by Sudanese authorities, according to the New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

The US State Department has said it is aware of the arrests and is monitoring developments.

"We condemn the harassment, arbitrary detention, and attacks on journalists in Sudan who are doing their jobs and exercising their fundamental right to freedom of expression," State Department spokewoman Heather Nauert said in a statement. 

Protests broke out across Sudan this month following the country's decision to implement austerity measures in line with International Monetary Fund reccomendations.

As part of the government's response to the unrest, riot police have been deployed and newspapers have been seized.