afrol News, 25 August - At least one person died and 40 others, including regional governor, sustained injuries, when dozens of land mines accidentally exploded on Sunday in Goure, during historic handover of arms in Niger’s peace deal.

Government officials, east of capital Niamey, said mediator, Moussa Bidal, accidentally stepped on one mine, during ceremony where Tuareg rebels were handing over arms to Niger government, which set off dozens of others, spreading shrapnel through assembled crowd.

Government spokesman Mohamed Ben Oma, further reported that four soldiers were seriously injured.

He however encouraged people not to loose hope on peace building path between rebels and government, assuring the blast was pure accident.

It has also however not been established as to how many rebels were handing over arms or if the move was by the whole rebel movement.

Last week, Tuareg rebel Niger Movement for Justice (MNJ), had denied reports of a cease-fire to its one year fight. Mr Aghaly ag Alambo, MNJ leader also denied media report which indicated they will participate in peace progress mediated by Libyan president, saying they would continue fighting for greater autonomy and for larger share of uranium revenue.

The conflict began after MNJ campaigned against government last year, accusing government of empty promises and denying minority greater rights.

Clashes between government forces and rebels occurred slowly in the uranium-rich north despite multiple attempts for peace deals.

Latest reports have shown analysts even questioning rebels genuinity on ensuing grievances and conflicts on whether it was a politically or financially motivated one.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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