Sudan to probe deadly riots

2005-08-08 21:59

Khartoum - The Sudanese president has ordered an investigation into deadly riots that killed more than 130 people across Sudan in the days following the death of first vice-president John Garang in a helicopter crash, state media reported on Monday.

Defence minister lieutenant-general Bakri Hassan Salih will lead the six-person committee, which was given wide power to interrogate anyone and to point out any shortcomings or negligence by state organs, according to the presidential decree.

"The committee is to conduct a full investigation on the circumstances that led to the outbreak of the riots, looting, killing and burning of private properties in Khartoum states and other states," the decree said.

Chaos, unrest in Sudan

The team is to report back to the president within two weeks.

Riots broke out in Khartoum and some southern cities after Garang died in the crash, which has been called an accident though an international probe is being conducted. Some southerners blamed the government for the crash and took to the streets in anger, though the rioting was largely joined by northerners and westerners and what officials called "thieves and criminals".

Vehicles were smashed and set alight, stores looted and burned, homes destroyed and people assaulted. The Sudanese Red Crescent said 130 people died in three cities - Khartoum, Juba and Malakal - though witnesses have reported many more dead.

Garang, former leader of a southern rebel movement, died just three weeks after taking office as first vice-president and president of southern Sudan, goals won after a 21-year civil war. His deputy, Salva Kiir Mayardit, was named as his successor in the Sudan People's Liberation Movement and will be sworn in as first vice-president in Khartoum this week.

- AP