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Four killed in Darfur protest — aid source | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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KHARTOUM, (Reuters) – At least four people were killed in clashes between Sudanese security forces and protesters during demonstrations over a failed investment scheme in Darfur on Sunday, an aid source and witnesses said.

Aid workers and U.N. officials reported hearing automatic gunfire after a group of up to 1,000 people was seen moving towards the centre of the capital of North Darfur state El Fasher on Sunday morning.

U.N. officials and local residents told Reuters last week investors were angry after losing large amounts of money in a Ponzi scheme — a pyramid model where money is illegally paid from one investor to the other and presented as profit.

Two members of the crowd told Reuters security forces opened fire on protesters in the centre of the city. One humanitarian source said some protesters were also armed and there was an exchange of fire.

“Between four and 10 people have been killed … and 30 to 40 people injured … There was intense fighting. We cannot say who killed who,” said an aid official, speaking on condition of anonymity.