Paramilitary force loots market in Nyala, S Darfur

Shops in El Geneina market in Nyala, South Darfur, closed their doors on Saturday afternoon and citizens fled to their homes after an attack by pro-government militants in Land Cruiser vehicles.A merchant told Radio Dabanga that more than 15 Land Cruiser vehicles mounted with heavy weapons attacked El Geneina market in Nyala on Saturday afternoon. The militants randomly attacked and looted shops and robbed bystanders after which many shops closed their doors and citizens fled to their homes. The merchant stated the militants occupied the market’s police station and claimed that the market was attacked after two of the militia members were arrested by the local police. Moreover, a witness informed Radio Dabanga that pro-government militiamen stationed themselves near to El Geneina market in Nyala and have been attacking the market since their arrival four days ago. The militiamen plundered several markets in the area, robbed people and looted shops at gunpoint, sources reported.It was added that the militants looted sugar, cigarettes, soap and other consumer goods from the shops, in addition to eating at restaurants without paying for their food. The Umma party’s Media Center reported that the militants attacked El Geneina market, located west of Al Nahda neighborhood in Nyala, on Saturday afternoon and looted shops as well as property of citizens in ‘complete absence of the government authorities’.Government sources claim that a recently mobilized paramilitary force is responsible for the attacks and attributes them to ‘lack of food supplies’.File photo