Sudanese president Omar al-Bashir has ordered an investigation into two weeks of violent demonstrations against his 29-year rule.

State news agency SUNA said that President Bashir had ordered authorities on Monday evening to set up a fact-finding committee to probe the violent protests.

Justice Minister Mohammed Ahmed Salem has been tasked with leading the investigation team.

"President Omar al-Bashir has ordered the setting up of a fact-finding committee headed by the justice minister to look into the incidents of the past few days," SUNA reported, quoting a presidential decree.

There have been calls by human rights groups for Sudanese authorities to investigate the use of lethal force by security forces against protesters.

The government has said 19 people died in the protests. Amnesty International has said it has “credible reports” that 37 died in the protests, which began on 19 December 2018.