2 Sudanese shot dead for violating coronavirus curfew

By Mohammed Amin

KHARTOUM, SUDAN (AA) – Two Sudanese were shot dead by security forces in the capital Khartoum on Sunday for violating a curfew imposed to stem the spread of coronavirus, according to the military and local residents.

In a statement, the army said a soldier manning a checkpoint in Aldaim neighborhood in Khartoum opened fire on two people on a motorbike after they refused to stop.

The soldier was arrested and an investigation has been launched into the incident, it added.

The incident has triggered protests by hundreds of angry youths in the neighborhood, according to local residents.

"Hundreds of angry youths have demonstrated, setting tires ablaze, chanting anti-army slogans and calling for bringing the killer to accountability," Abu Algasim Ahmed, a local resident, said.

So far Sudanese health authorities have confirmed 97 deaths and 2,289 COVID-19 infections.