Sudan crisis: Death toll from crackdown rises to 60, opposition says

The number of people killed in a crackdown on pro-democracy protests in the Sudanese capital Khartoum has risen to 60, an opposition group says.

Members of a feared paramilitary group are reported to be roaming the streets attacking civilians.

The violence began when forces of the Transitional Military Council (TMC) opened fire on unarmed protesters on Monday.

The military has faced international condemnation for the attack.

An attempt at the UN Security Council to condemn the violence was blocked on Tuesday by China, backed by Russia.

What is happening in Sudan?

Demonstrators had been occupying the square in front of the military headquarters since 6 April, days before President Omar al-Bashir was overthrown after 30 years in power.

Their representatives had been negotiating with the TMC and had agreed a three-year transition that would culminate in elections.

But on Monday, forces swept in to remove protesters from the square.

Many Khartoum residents blamed the Rapid Support Forces for the crackdown. The paramilitary unit – formerly known as the Janjaweed militia – gained notoriety in the Darfur conflict in western Sudan in 2003.

On Tuesday the TMC announced negotiations with protesters were over, all previous agreements were cancelled, and elections would be held within nine months. Demonstrators had argued that a longer period was needed to guarantee fair elections and dismantle the political network associated with the former government.

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