A team of US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) arrived in Khartoum to help Sudan in the ongoing investigations into the failed assassination attempt of Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok.
Hamdok survived an assassination attempt when a 750 grams- explosive device went off near his convoy in the capital, Khartoum.
Sudanese Culture and Information Minister Faisal Mohammed Saleh told reporters that an FBI team will join Sudanese investigators, adding that they will bring relevant “expertise and techniques for this kind of case.”
Saleh pointed out that Sudan has no precedent for incidents such as car bombs and explosions, noting that international agreements to combat terrorism obligate countries to seek various expertise to face this type of crime.
Earlier, Saleh said security agents have arrested a number of nationals and foreigners in connection with the attack. He did not elaborate on the number or identities of the suspects.
He revealed new security measures to secure the Prime Minister, top officials, and strategic locations in Sudan. He also indicated that units will follow new security plans that would maintain the safety of the country without compromising public freedoms and rights.
Meanwhile, Hamdok reviewed the report of a committee investigating the police assault on peaceful protesters on February 14.
About 53 civilians were injured when police used empty tear gas canisters and batons to disperse a peaceful march calling for popular demands.
After the incident, Prime Minister decided to form an investigation committee headed by the Attorney General Taj al-Sir al-Hebr to probe the incidents.
The committee concluded that the police used excessive force when dealing with the protesters, confirming it found several varying injuries. The committee also listened to a number of witnesses who confirmed the incidents.
It recommended investigating and holding police officers accountable, adding that police units should be briefed on human rights to raise awareness on the civil rights and freedoms guaranteed under the constitution and international laws.
The report called for reviewing various procedural immunities and law amendments to allow investigation of violations that may occur. It also called for the promotion and protection of protests and demonstrations as guaranteed by the constitution and international treaties.
The report stressed the importance of imposing central control on the forces during the demonstrations and called the police to balance between necessary security measures, and freedom and the right to protest, while maintaining the police's right to defend themselves.
