Police clash with herders in Sudan’s White Nile state kills one, injures nine

May 30, 2013 (KHARTOUM) – One person was killed and nine others were injured including five policemen during clashes that broke out between herders and police in Sudan’s White Nile state, an official said today.

The spokesman for the White Nile state government Major General Tayeb Mohamed Ahmed al-Jazzar said that a security committee managed to contain the situation and paid condolences to the family of the lone victim whom he identified as al-Sadig al-Tayib Haj Nur.

He revealed that a committee headed by a local prosecutor was formed to probe the incident and submit its findings within 3 days.

The cause of the clash was said to be an attempt by the herders to have their cattle drink from a conduit belonging to the White Nile Sugar Factory. But police sought to block them resulting in the havoc that ensued.

While citizens accused police of using excessive force, the head of the state’s police Major General Madani Badawi al-Madani condemned the repeated trespassing by citizens on projects and vandalizing of properties.

He said the incident was unfortunate and demonstrates inappropriate behavior and unacceptable violence.

(ST)