The diplomat and his Sudanese chauffeur were driving down a busy street in a diplomatic car when the attack took place. His chauffeur died on the scene. The diplomat died of his injuries in hospital.

It is unclear whether the attack was politically motivated. The United States and other western countries are unpopular in Sudan because they criticise the regime's Darfur policy.

On Monday, the United Nations took over command of the peace mission in Darfur. Up till then it was under African Union command.

By Copyright Radio Netherlands 2007