Port Sudan clashes blamed on “involvement of foreign sides”

KHARTOUM, Feb 17, 2005 (MENA) — Red Sea Province Governor Dr Al-Sadiq al-Malik [name as published -current governor is Gen Hatim al-Wasila al-Sammani] termed Thursday as regrettable the acts of violence that took place in Port Sudan recently.

He said the Sudanese interior minister ordered the formation of a central committee to investigate into the acts of sabotage that left 17 people dead. He stressed that everyone, including the instigators, will be brought to justice.

He said 220 people were arrested over the events, adding that 200 of them were set free and the rest are being interrogated.

The governor referred to the involvement of foreign sides in the events, saying many phone calls were recorded between people outside Sudan and those in Port Sudan.

Clashes erupted in Port Sudan between security forces and Beja tribesmen who were demanding more autonomy.