Last week's power-sharing agreement between the Sudanese military and pro-democracy protesters came after the U.S. and its Arab allies pressured both sides, amid fears that a prolonged crisis could tip the country into civil war, Sudanese officials has this to disclose.

The deal, which elevated hopes of a democratic transition following the military overthrow of President Omar al-Bashir in April, was announced days after the protesters held mass marches throughout Sudan's main cities.

Although, those familiar with negotiations say the main breakthrough happened at a secret meeting the day before, when diplomats from the U.S., Britain, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates pressed the two sides to accept proposals from the African Union and Ethiopia.

Sudanese activists and a military official, speaking on condition of anonymity, describe intense U.S. efforts to force the deal.