South Darfur imposes curfew in Nyala after militias clash

The government of South Darfur has imposed a curfew in state capital Nyala between 7:30pm and 7:00am following fierce fighting that broke out in the city on Tuesday afternoon. A statement issued by the South Darfur Security Committee blamed the events on “actions of security officers which led to security imbalances” in Nyala. It said that a commission of inquiry has been established “to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the incidents” and has called on citizens “not to pay attention to the rumours”. A high-level government delegation, including the Governor of Central Darfur, Abdel Hamid Musa Kasha, arrived in the city on Friday, where the situation, according to afternoon reports is “calm but tense”. Shops, offices and markets remain closed, and public transport has shut down. Reports on Thursday said the fighting claimed the lives of two militia leaders, two staff members of the NGO World Vision, a Major in the Security Services and a four-month-old baby. Sources said that on Thursday, the streets of downtown Nyala were deserted, shops and offices closed, and people were staying indoors of their own accord, even before the curfew was imposed. This was reportedly unchanged on Friday. The violence reportedly began on Tuesday afternoon when one of the leaders of the Central Reserve Forces, known as ‘Abu Tira’, entered the offices of the Security Services. The man, nicknamed ‘Takrom’ was involved in a raid on a Court in December last year, where he sprung three of his followers and severely assaulted the judge. Takrom was attempting to secure the release of one of his cadres who was under arrest for car theft. When this failed, he attempted to take a member of the Security Services hostage, however, when other armed security men came to their colleague’s rescue, a gunfight occurred in which Takrom and another militiaman died. On Wednesday evening, a significant contingent of Abu Tira surrounded the living quarters of the Security Services and killed a Major in an exchange of fire. According to an eyewitness, the Security Services began to shoot back: “Until Thursday afternoon, heavy gunfire could be heard all over the city.” On Thursday morning, contingents of Abu Tira entered Majala market, allegedly looting goods and destroying shops. They also reportedly raided the weekly public auto market, stealing at least six motorcycles and several cars. The Nyala South Market also became a battle zone with militiamen looting shops while shooting at people. Related: Nyala locked-down after fighting, looting in South Darfur capital (4 July 2013) Gunmen enter Nyala court, beat judge and release defendants (10 December 2013)