Clashes between police and soldiers in Mershing

On Sunday citizens fled from the market in Mershing, South Darfur following an outbreak of violence in clashes between soldiers and police officers. A witness told Radio Dabanga the clashes erupted when a police officer ordered a tea lady that was serving some soldiers to stop working as she did not pay her monthly taxes. The soldiers then beat the policeman leading to an exchange in gunfire between the two parties. Another witness said the incident did not cause any loss of life or destruction to property, but led to a spread of fear and panic amongst citizens, as many shut down shops and fled the market area. He also said this incident was not a first of its kind in the area, and called on state authorities to end the clashes, provide security and protect citizens.