CAIRO (AP) — Sudanese doctors say they will go on an indefinite strike to press demands for President Omar Bashir to step down.

An independent coalition of professionals said the strike, which will begin Monday, will be the first in a series of protests calling for an end to Bashir's nearly 30-year rule. There have also been calls for a general strike on Wednesday.

News of the strike came as street protests over worsening economic conditions and corruption erupted for the fifth consecutive day Sunday, with thousands taking to the streets in several Sudanese cities, according to activists.

Opposition leader Sadeq al-Mahdi told reporters Saturday that as many as 22 people were killed in clashes with police since the protests began last week. The government has acknowledged fatalities but provided no figures.