Massive demonstrations and killings by the security forces are straining relations in the ruling junta as leaders consider their options, The 33rd anniversary of the coup that brought Omer Hassan el Beshir to power on 30 June 1989 was always going to be a test for both the opposition and the ruling military. The opposition gathered in large numbers in 20 cities to protest the possible return by stealth of Beshir s National Congress Party (NCP), while the intelligence services arrested activists to keep turnout low.