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Thousands mark paramilitaries’ protest massacre

THOUSANDS of demonstrators took to the streets in Sudan yesterday to mark 40 days since a massacre by paramilitaries clearing a protest camp in Khartoum. 

More than 100 people were killed on June 3 when the feared Rapid Support Forces went on the rampage. 

At least 70 rapes were reported and paramilitaries forced people to drink water containing sewage.

Sudan has been ruled by a military junta called the Transitional Military Council (TMC) since authoritarian President Omar al-Bashir was toppled in April.

Political deadlock followed as protesters organised in the Forces for Freedom and Democracy demanded a transition to civilian rule and the army showed itself reluctant to cede power. 

An agreement on a shared administration, with the aim of moving to democratic elections, was finally reached last week.

General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, the feared head of the Rapid Support Forces, denied that the paramilitaries had used systematic violence, saying: “There are infiltrators and intelligence services within [the forces]. 

“Rapid Support are not angels, but we prosecute every offender … were it not for Rapid Support, Khartoum’s situation would have been different.”

Nonetheless, opposition groups vowed to continue their peaceful revolution until civilian rule is won.

Talks have stalled as the opposition called for justice for those killed.

The Sudanese Communist Party, which is a part of the protest movement, criticised the "vague” discussions between the TMC and the alliance.

Political secretary Mahmoud al-Khateib said his party rejected the participation of the current TMC members.

The deal includes a joint sovereign council, to rule for a little over three years until elections are held, and a constitutional declaration, according to a copy of the deal obtained by the Associated Press news agency.

A military leader is to head the 11-member council for the first 21 months, followed by a civilian leader for the next 18.

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