Policemen, IDPs killed in clashes over forced relocation

[This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations]

KHARTOUM - At least 30 people were killed on Wednesday in clashes that erupted when Sudanese security forces tried to forcibly relocate internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Soba Eradi camp, 30 km south of the Sudanese capital, Khartoum, officials said.

Pareq Osman al Tahir, director of police in Khartoum, told reporters on Wednesday, that 14 police officers had been killed and 13 injured, while three civilians were killed and 11 injured.

Other sources on Thursday disputed the number of the dead.

"The fighting between the police and the community has been going on until this morning, and I can see the police office and the office of the Public Committee [the office responsible for the organisation and registration of IDPs] burning," Karak Mayik Nyok, executive director of the local women's organisation, Diar for Rehabilitation and Development Association, told IRIN on Thursday.

"Twenty IDPs were killed and many, many were wounded. Most people are fleeing to Mayo Mandela camp [about 15 km away]," Nyok, who said she was talking to IRIN while standing outside the camp, said. "The fighting [however] has stopped."