Protests against increased violence in South Kordofan

Angry citizens blocked the main roads in Kadugli, capital of South Kordofan, on Saturday to protest the death of an inhabitant who was shot by a number of unknown people in a poor neighbourhood of the town. The murder followed a period of unrest and increased crime in South Kordofan.

Witnesses told Radio Dabanga that residents from this neighbourhood and the surrounding areas were protesting against the "current state of lawlessness" and the increase of murders and armed robberies in the town. They said that various neighbourhoods, including Hajar El Mak, witnessed murders and armed robberies in the past days.

The protestors explained that citizens cannot leave their homes after 8 pm, for fear of being robbed. They demanded that the authorities put an end to the growing crime rates and the general state of lawlessness.

Robberies

Earlier this month, Radio Dabanga reported on the recent surge in violence and crime in South Kordofan. At the end of last month, Radio Dabanga reported at least three robberies on the road between Talodi and Kologi.

On November 22, HUDO reported the armed robbery of more than 20 passengers travelling from Abu Jubeiha to Talodi by four armed men dressed in RSF uniforms.

According to the Sudanese Human Rights and Development Organisation (HUDO), many more robbery attempts were committed alongside this road, due to the lack of adequate police response.

In all cases, the attacks were reported to the police but no action was taken.