Sudan: Death toll from Kassala clashes surges to 5

KHARTOUM, Sudan

The death toll in eastern Kassala province surged to five, with 27 injuries, in a renewal of clashes between protesters and police due to the dismissal of Governor Saleh Ammar.

"[Five] protesters were killed and 27 others injured because of the brutal and excessive use of violence by the security force," said opposition El Tawasol party chairman Idris Sheldi.

"Kassala is living in a state of run-and-hit between the protesters and the police forces which persecuted the protesters inside Kassala hospital," he added.

The government has yet to comment on the fighting or casualties.

Opposition Beja Congress party condemned police use of excessive force and held the government accountable for the killing of protesters.

"The Beja Congress considers the right to demonstrate is legitimate and guaranteed by the constitution," it said in a statement that urged all parties to stick to the peaceful nature of the protests and not disrupt the interests of the country.

The government announced Tuesday the removal of Ammar from his post in a bid to defuse the tension that has been ongoing in the region for about three months.

*Ahmed Asmar contributed to this report from Ankara