Minister Ahmed Abdulla (left) addresses the crowd. Photo by Albert Gonzalez Farran

01 December 2010 - At least one person was killed and several wounded today in Zalingei, West Darfur, when gunfire broke out during a demonstration. The incident took place at Zalingei University on the final leg of a four day visit to Darfur by the Doha peace negotiation team. The delegation, headed by Qatari Foreign Minister Ahmed bin Abdulla Al-Mahmoud and AU-UN Joint Chief Mediator Djibrill Bassolé, was in a meeting with Civil society representatives when unrest began outside. In response, Minister Al-Mahmoud and Mr. Bassolé addressed the crowd in attempt to ease the tension. However, as the party departed the protests turned violent.

Drijil Bassolé appeals to the crowd for calm. Photo by Albert Gonzalez Farran