KHARTOUM (Reuters) - Sudanese Prime Minister Abdullah Hamdouk has announced the formation of a commission of inquiry into an attack on a sit-in in June that killed dozens near the Defense Ministry in Khartoum.
According to the Sudan News Agency (SUNA), the committee, which is headed by human rights lawyer Nabil Adib and includes lawyers and security members, will have broad powers to call witnesses, including officials, and will have access to official documents, security reports and medical records.
The decision was issued late on Sunday, a day before a rally planned by the Sudanese Professionals' Association, which led the protests that toppled former President Omar Hassan al-Bashir in April, and is still demanding retribution for protesters who died or were injured. .
The RCD welcomed the appointment of the Commission, describing it as the first stone in building an impartial investigation and exposing the perpetrators of this crime.
"The committee will be responsible for identifying those responsible for breaking up the sit-in, as well as determining the number of dead, wounded, missing and financial losses suffered by those affected," Suna said.
There are disagreements over the number of casualties, and doctors linked to the opposition said about 130 people were killed in the attack and the ensuing violence. Officials have acknowledged 87 deaths.
The Commission is supposed to complete its work within three months, and may be extended for another month, with reports on the progress of its work.
The Commission could also seek assistance from the African Union, which had played a prominent role in Sudan's transition.