Cablegate: Further Clashes - Report of One Death

VZCZCXRO1701
OO RUEHROV
DE RUEHKH #2056 2421411
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 301411Z AUG 06
FM AMEMBASSY KHARTOUM
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 4326
INFO RUCNIAD/IGAD COLLECTIVE

UNCLAS KHARTOUM 002056

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

FOR AF/SPG AND AF/EPS
PLEASE PASS TO USAID FOR AFR

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL ASEC CASC EAID ECON SU
SUBJECT: FURTHER CLASHES - REPORT OF ONE DEATH

Ref: A) Khartoum 2007 B) Khartoum 2009 C) Khartoum 2046

1. Police and demonstrators clashed on August 30 with police
reportedly using tear gas to disperse the protesters in the area
near the University of Khartoum. There was an unconfirmed report
that one protester had been killed.

2. Opposition parties attempted to organize a demonstration on the
afternoon of August 30 to protest the recent increases in the prices
of gasoline, diesel and sugar (ref C). Protesters gathered to march
in central Khartoum at about 14:00 local time. Students from the
University of Khartoum joined in the march. The protesters were
reportedly dispersed by riot control police using tear gas.
Unconfirmed reports are that one person was killed. As of 16:00
local time, police are reported to still be chasing demonstrators in
the University area.

3. Consular officer spoke with a lawyer on the faculty of the
University, and could hear the sound of tear gas canisters exploding
in the background. The sound of sirens could be heard at the
Embassy, several blocks away.

HUME

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