CAIRO (AP) — Sudan's President Omar al-Bashir has ordered an investigation into "recent events" after two weeks of violent protests against his 29-year autocratic rule, as he seeks to placate popular anger over worsening economic conditions.

The state news agency reported late Monday that al-Bashir has tasked Justice Minister Mohammed Ahmed Salem with leading the investigation, without providing further details on the subject of the probe.

Twenty-two political parties and groups meanwhile said they will call on Bashir to step down and transfer power to a "sovereign council" and a transitional...