Three protesters killed by UN Peacekeepers in Mali

Reports say United Nations peacekeepers in the northern Malian town of Gao have killed at least three people when they used live rounds to disperse protesters.

The violence erupted as peacekeepers were meeting local leaders angry over a plan to create a buffer zone in the north that would force pro-government militia in the area to disarm while Tuareg separatist rebels are left un- affected.

A witness at the protest said UN troops started shooting after initially using tear gas to try to disperse the crowd.

He said he saw a dead protester who had been shot in the face.

A second witness said he saw four dead bodies and four others who had been injured and taken to Gao hospital.

Medical officials there were not immediately available for comment.

NEWS24