Latest reports have indicated that up to seventeen people have been killed in eastern Sudan after clashes took place between demonstrators and police. Police officials have been rumoured to have opened fire on protesters after a riot began when they began demanding greater independence for the local Beja community.

The incident has seen at least twelve people injured, and a curfew has now been levied on the local areas. Following the unpleasant incident it has been reported that other areas in Sudan are now evaluating their situation with the Khartoum government, and fears are arising that the recently signed peace deal between the southern rebels and the government may be in danger.

Gen Sammani, who is the provincial governor reported that the protestors were on their way to meet tribal chiefs to discuss issues when violence broke out.

Gen Sammani allegedly said, "Instead of coming for the meeting, they staged riots in which shops were looted and cars were burned, and they engaged in clashes with the riot police and security men, who at first used batons and tear gas to disperse the demonstrators and then they had to use firearms."

Three days prior to the recent trouble, the eastern tribal leaders handed over a list of demands to the governor, which included commands to provide measures to ensure a more evenly spread wealth and power structure in the region.

The eastern tribe, mostly consisting of Beja, also reportedly demanded the government to give recognition to the Beja Congress as the sole representatives of the eastern Sudanese population.