Protests continue for a second day, with two people killed in Nyala, South
Darfur
Nyala (26, Jan 2012 .) -Two people were killed and dozens wounded in
protests that took place for a second day in Nyala, the capital city of
South Darfur.
Medical sources told Radio Dabanga, the two citizens died from gunshot
wounds fired at the demonstration. One was shot in the chest, and the other
was wounded in the head.
The hospital reportedly received scores of wounded demonstrators. A student
named Bakhit Musa was taken to hospital with six others, after being shot in
the head. He later died from his injuries.
Witnesses said a group of high school students went out yesterday morning
from various private schools and demanded the return of the last governor.
Students blocked the road to the north of the city and burned tires.
The police responded heavy-handedly using concentrated tear gas, as hundreds
of people gathered near the intersection of Jebel Marra, and started heading
towards the market and the headquarters of the state government where the
crowd smashed the doors of the building.
Witnesses said the demonstrations spread and continued through the afternoon
in large areas of the city, with parts of Nyala market being set alight.
There was a prevailing sense of panic as citizens heard heavy gunfire north
of the city.
They confirmed the security forces arrested dozens of demonstrators after a
chase through the neighbourhoods of the city, and have been extensively
deployed along with police to the streets.
Tanks have reportedly moved to guard the state government building.
Nyala North HQ on fire
The headquarters of Nyala North Municipality was today set alight along with
a number of shops.
Witnesses said a car belonging to an officer at the headquarters was also
set on fire.
They said 20 students were injured from Muhera secondary school for girls as
a result of the heavy use of tear gas by police and security forces who
chased demonstrators through the streets.
NCP infighting sparked protest
The political forces in South Darfur agreed what is happening in Nyala is on
the back of the removal of the old governor Kasha, and illustrates the
conflict happening within the National Congress Party itself.
This along with an accumulation of problems including increasingly higher
costs of living and lack of services led to the willingness of the masses to
spontaneously take to the streets.
Ibrahim Ahmed Musa from Turabi's Popular Congress Party told Radio Dabanga
there is conflict between the Kasha and Ali Mahmoud wings of the NCP.
South Darfur confirms one death, University and schools shut down
The state of South Darfur also confirmed the death of one person and
wounding of several others during the second day of violent demonstrations
in Nyala.
In an interview with Radio Dabanga, Karim Moussa, Deputy Governor for South
Darfur did not specify the number of injured but denied the use of excessive
force by police to disperse the demonstration.
He said demonstrators caused chaos that led to the burning of the Nyala
north municipality building and a number of cars.
The vice-governor denied the rivalry in the National Congress Party was the
reason behind the demonstrations and stressed 'the situation in Nyala is now
under control.'
There are reports the state today closed down the University of Nyala, as
well as secondary and middle schools across the city.
NCP official apologizes to Kasha for appointing him to East Darfur
Nafie Ali Nafie, vice-president of the NCP said the party apologized to
Kasha for appointing him to East Darfur.
He said they will appoint a new governor for the East.
In the Khartoum based Al Sahafa newspaper Kasha expressed his regret for the
violence that happened in the demonstrations but denied he had any direct
part to play in them.
He said they were solely the result of the will of the people.
------------[ Sent via the dehai-wn mailing list by dehai.org]--------------
Received on Thu Jan 26 2012 - 13:57:37 EST
