Fear of ‘imminent raid’ closes shops, market in Bindisi, Central Darfur

Shops, schools, and government institutions in Bundisi town in Bindisi locality, Central Darfur, closed their doors on Thursday for fear of an attack by militiamen on the weekly market. Witnesses told Radio Dabanga that the residents in the town kept to their homes fearing “an imminent attack”. The town, as well as the surrounding villages, had already reportedly witnessed a series of incidents on Wednesday, when livestock was rustled and motorcycles stolen at gunpoint.  Ongoing clashes between Misseriya and Salamat tribesmen in the area have increased the volume of gunmen, and witnesses said that police had already attempted to prevent Misseriya gunmen from storming the market while it was closed. In spite of the police intervention, however, the Misseriya returned with reinforcements, broke into and plundered five shops, purportedly “to track-down Salamat tribesmen”. Tensions erupting into occasional clashes have occurred in the area ever since a dispute flared-up between the tribes in April. Their leaders have been negotiating a peace settlement and independently assure Radio Dabanga that the current clashes ‘will not compromise the peace process’. File photo: Albert González Farran/Unamid Related: Clashes between police and militiamen shut-down Bindisi, Central Darfur (23 July 2013)