Lorries reach Deribat in Darfur’s East Jebel Marra

For the first time since the war began in Darfur in 2003, lorries reached Deribat in East Jebel Marra.

A convoy of 35 large lorries, carrying passengers and commodities, arrived at the town on Saturday.

“The lorries were heavily guarded by members of the paramilitary Popular Defence Forces,” a resident of Deribat told Radio Dabanga.

“The guards consisted of former rebel combatants of those movements that signed the Darfur peace agreement, supported by young men from the area,” he explained. “The area is under control of the government forces, stationed at the Deribat military garrison.”

The commissioner of East Jebel Marra locality, South Darfur, accompanied the convoy that was met by cheering people. “This is the first time in more than ten years, that consumer goods reach the area,” the source said.