July 11, 2024 (ABU QOUTA) – The Resistance Committees of Abu Qouta in the Al Jazirah state of central Sudan reported on Thursday that the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have been extorting money from the city’s residents under the pretence of protecting them from looting. The RSF seized control of Al Jazirah state late last year and quickly began committing horrific abuses against its residents, including fighting, kidnapping, sexual violence, forced displacement, looting, humiliation, and intimidation. In a statement received by Sudan Tribune, the Abu Qouta Resistance Committees said, “The RSF continues to impose a daily fee of 70,000  ($30) to 90,000 ($40) Sudanese pounds on the city’s residents, claiming it is for protection against looting.” The committees indicated that the RSF threatened to withdraw protection from the city if the amount was not paid or could not be paid. They emphasized that all aspects of life in the area have ceased, with the market closed, cash unavailable, and a severe shortage of food and medicine. Abu Qouta is located south of Al Hasahisa, the second-largest commercial area in Al Jazirah state after its capital, Wad Madani. The Abu Qouta Resistance Committees held the RSF responsible for the protection of …

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