The latest death toll figures resulting from demonstrations against the rising prices of fuel and commodities in Sudan currently vary between 21 and 140, different sources say. Protests across the country entered their fourth day on Thursday, following an announcement by President Omar Al Bashir that he was lifting petrol subsidies.
The head of the Sudanese Organisation for the Defence of Rights and Freedoms, Dr Farouk Mohamed Ibrahim, told Radio Dabanga from Khartoum on Thursday morning that initial estimations account for 140 people killed by bullets in the whole of Sudan between Tuesday and Wednesday. “Between 72 and 79 of the fatal victims are in Omdurman.” Ibrahim added that 100 people were injured and “thousands” were arrested during the protests so far.
He disclosed that his organisation has established a committee responsible for assessing exact casualties of dead and injured resulting from demonstrations in Sudan, which continue in Khartoum, Port Sudan, and other towns.
The Sudanese Organisation for the Defence of Rights and Freedoms, in cooperation with other organisations and opposition political parties, is calling for the accountability of violations being carried out in Sudan and is requesting that an investigation committee be formed. “To demonstrate is a right of citizens according to the Constitution; citizens should not be killed for it,” Ibrahim said.
Yasir Arman, Secretary General of the rebel group Sudan People Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N), announced in a press statement on Thursday that “From Nyala to Medani, and Khartoum up to the late evening of September 25 2013, the estimated death toll of the peaceful demonstrators is more than 139, and hundreds of wounded. They were all shot by live bullets by the Security, the Police and the militia of the ruling National Congress Party of Sudan (NCP).”
Hospitals
The head of the Omdurman hospital, Osama Murtada said he received on Wednesday 21 bodies, all of which of victims killed by bullets. He also claimed receiving at least 16 injured patients on Wednesday, noting the victims are currently being treated for mainly head, chest, and stomach injuries inflicted by police shooting.
Other sources informed Radio Dabanga that the main hospital of Khartoum North (Khartoum Bahri) received three bodies on Wednesday. In the Khartoum neighbourhood of Alamaab, nine demonstrators are believed to have been shot dead by police forces on Wednesday, witnesses say. Their bodies were allegedly transferred to the Bashayir hospital.
Medical doctor Sayid Ganaat told Radio Dabanga he operated 32 patients sustaining different chest and head injuries on Wednesday morning. Dr Ganaat further disclosed that the Omdurman mortuary has received 36 bodies.
News photo: Sudanese Doctors Union protests (Twitter)
Related: Army Major resigns, ‘thousands’ arrested across Sudan (25 September 2013)