Protesters threaten Westerners

2009-01-07 14:05

Khartoum - Sudanese protesters angry at the Israeli offensive in Gaza have called for attacks on Westerners, US embassy officials warned on Wednesday.

Khartoum has seen several small-scale demonstrations outside embassies and United Nations offices, protesting against the ongoing fighting in Gaza in which at least 680 Palestinians have been killed.

"During demonstrations in recent days near the US embassy and elsewhere in Khartoum, some speakers have made threats against US and other Western citizens in Sudan," a statement posted on the United States embassy in Khartoum warned.

"At least one speaker called for attacks against foreigners in Khartoum and named specific locations," the statement read.

The speaker listed sites in Khartoum popular with Westerners including a cafe, shopping mall and restaurant, it added.

Further demonstrations are expected this week, with the embassy urging all Americans to take precautions and avoid public places.

The protests come as Sudanese officials prepare for an expected ruling from International Criminal Court (ICC) judges on whether to issue an arrest warrant for President Omar al-Beshir on genocide and war crimes in Darfur.

Some fear an anti-Western backlash if a warrant is issued, with concerns a furious Sudan could evict UN peacekeepers and aid workers.

- AFP