Sudanese Interior minister sets up team to probe Port Sudan clashes

February 17, 2005 (KHARTOUM) — The minister of interior, Maj-Gen Abdalrahim Mohamed Husayn, has issued a decree setting up a central committee headed by a judge to investigate the incidents which occurred in the city of Port Sudan. This overrules an [earlier] decision by the Red Sea State to form a special fact-finding committee.

The governor of the Red Sea, Maj-Gen Huquqi Hatim al-Wassilah, said the central committee will present its decisions to the federal government, hence removing the burden from the state.

Speaking yesterday at a news conference in the federal government office, Al-Wassilah said that the state government was ready for any questions. “I will be the first to appear before the state investigation committee since nobody is above the law,” said the governor.

He added that the investigation will uncover anybody who participated in the incidents through meetings, writings or distribution of leaflets.

Al-Wasilah said that 16 of those arrested over the violence will be taken to court.

(ST)