27 March 2012 - At least three civilians are dead following an altercation today in the vicinity of Kabkabiya, located approximately 130 kilometers west of El Fasher, North Darfur.

The dispute, in the Bergi market area of the locality, allegedly broke out when the population confronted the Sudanese police over concerns that the market was to be relocated by the local commissioner. Two women were reported killed.

Following the incident, a crowd of more than 200 moved to UNAMID’s nearby camp, where they had mistakenly thought the commissioner had sought refuge. Upon trying to force their way into the compound, the protesters, many armed with stones, sticks and machetes, were met with resistance by the Mission’s peacekeepers. No shots were fired into the crowd, however three UNAMID troops were injured.

Shortly thereafter, Government forces arrived to disperse the demonstrators. One civilian was shot in the clashes and later died en route to UNAMID’s hospital.

Following calls for peace by community leaders the crowd disbanded and the situation is now stable.

UNAMID Joint Special Representative Ibrahim Gambari, Force Commander Lt. Gen. Patrick Nyamvumba, Darfur Regional Authority Chairman El Tijani Seisi, as well as North Darfur Wali Osman Mohamed Yousif Kibir, are to travel to the locality tomorrow to assess the situation.