Curfew imposed in South Darfur capital after deadly clashes with tribal militias
July 4, 2013, (KHARTOUM) – The local government of South Darfur imposed a curfew in the state capital of Nyala that starts from 7:30 pm to 7:00 am after deadly clashes erupted between members of security apparatus and a tribal militia which led to the death of First Lieutenant Ammar Anwar al-Haj security and police assistant Mohammed Abdullah Sharara who is nicknamed ‘Dekrom’ and also hails from the powerful Rezeigat tribe.
He was then rushed to Nyala hospital but doctors failed to revive him, Abu-Nouba added.
Eyewitnesses told Sudan Tribune that armed groups from Dekrom’s family made a attempt to storm NISS HQ. In the process, the windows of a nearby hotel were smashed and shots were fired on the offices of the ruling National Congress Party (NCP) injuring one person inside.
Unidentified gunmen also looted offices of international organizations in Nyala and seized large quantities of food and medical supplies, they said.
Heavy gunfire exchanged between Rezeigat militias and government troops using light and heavy weapons forcing Nyala residents to flee the market, schools and government buildings to seek refuge at home.
The militias used the Finance Ministry building as cover and dozens of SUV cars were deployed all over the place.They also fired a Katyusha rocket into the NISS HQ which according to an eyewitness turned it into rubbles.
The bombardment also reached a three-story newly constructed hotel, the witness said.
Medical sources revealed that 35 to 40 people received gunshot wounds while 5 were fatally shot from both sides.
The Nyala hospital mobilized all doctors and specialists to deal with the large number of wounded which led to running out of medical supplies, its director Omer Yacoub said.
A statement issued by South Darfur Security Committee blamed the events on actions of security officers which led to “security imbalances” in Nyala.
It said that a commission of inquiry was established to determine the circumstances of the incidents and called on citizens not to pay attention to the rumors.
A meeting took place between South Darfur governor Adam Mahmoud Gar al-Neby and Rezeigat tribe which resulted in the arrest of the culprits who opened fire on Dekrom.
The Governor asked the tribe to disperse the gatherings and stop firing rounds while the tribe assured him that they do not want to allow Darfur rebels to exploit these events.
(ST)