Looting and shooting in Zam Zam

Residents from the Zam Zam camp in North Darfur accused Sudanese Central Reserve Forces (Abu Tira) of looting a market on Thursday, 13 September, Radio Dabanga was informed. They added the gunmen also fired in the air but that there are no reports of casualties so far. According to witnesses, four Abu Tira elements entered the Mazalat market via its four different gates and began firing in the air to scare street vendors, and shop and cafe owners. They said people fled in fear and others managed to find places to hide at the market. Residents said Abu Tira forces looted shops and people, taking with them 62 mobile phones, 2 million Sudanese pounds, several cigarette cartons and watches. Witnesses said the four elements then fled to their base, located near the northwest gate of the Zam Zam camp. Abu Tira forces were also accused by residents of attacking the Block B Hilla Jedida neighborhood in Zam Zam camp on Wednesday, 12 September. Residents from this block come from the Labado, Muhajariya, Khazzan Jadeed and Sheria areas, North Darfur, sources added. They said Abu Tira looted 20 homes in Block B Hilla Jedida, and that not one day goes by without looting taking place in this neighborhood. A source demands that UNAMID and local authorities protect them from Abu Tira forces and that those involved in the lootings are brought to justice.