Sudanese police repressed the protests heavily leading to the death of at least 9 civilians and arrests of 104 protesters.[2][3] On 2 May police began firing at protestors as they were approaching the house of Osman Kebir the then governor of North Darfur. According to local residents, Kebir had promised compensation for the victims of the Ponzi scheme, but failed to do so.[4] According to the secretary general of North Darfur's government, multiple men were arrested in connection to the Ponzi scheme.[2]
Due to the government harsh repression of the protests, Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) suspended their negotiantions with the government momentarily.[5] SLA/MM leader Minni Minnawi condemned the governments actions and called for actions to protect people's money.[6]
