Student dies during protests in Sudan

Activists have reported that a student died during a confrontation with the Sudanese police while he was protesting against the government. The student was injured during the incident and died later from the injuries which he sustained. Mohammed Abd al-Rahman was a student at the Ahaliya University and was involved in anti-government demonstrations.

Police have denied any knowledge of his death. Demonstrations against the government have been held in Tunisia and Egypt with the assistance of social networking sites. In an unrelated incidence the Sudanese vice president has announced that the north will recognize the south’s vote to be independent.

The results of the vote were disclosed on the weekend and it was revealed that 99 percent of the population is in favor of independence. During the following two weeks time will be allowed for appeals.  Ali Osman Taha who is the Vice-President commented that the government could increase efforts to assist students and poor people who are struggling with increases in living costs.

Economic difficulties and restrictions on political freedom fuelled protests in Khartoum and Omdurman. A leading human rights activists asserted that the student had been shot. Activists posted comments on social networking sites describing Rahman as a martyr.

Reports say that security has been sent to the universities and some universities have been shut. The police said they were not aware of the student’s death. Sources report that the demonstrations have come during a challenging period for the country’s president. The independence referendum formed part of a peace treaty which aimed to end civil war in the country.