Street vendors ‘ousted’ from South Darfur capital

The municipality of Nyala, capital of South Darfur, has reportedly issued a decision banning street vendors from working in Nyala’s grand market. Several street vendors confirmed to Radio Dabanga that “the municipal authorities launched an extensive campaign on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday whereby they confiscated the shopping carts of the street vendors”. The vendors voiced surprise at the decision, as it affects thousands: “Many of them are sole breadwinners who support widows, unemployed university graduates, and victims of war.” They demanded that the municipal authorities review their decision by working to organise their work and finding alternative places for them. They also demanded “the return of carts and other confiscated tools”. The city of Nyala has been witnessing an acute shortage of fuel, causing filling stations to stop operating in the city. One fuel supplier reported to Radio Dabanga that the price of a gallon of petrol has risen to SDG100 ($22.70) and diesoline to SDG25 (5.70) on the black market. He attributed the high process to short supplies, saying that the commercial convoy that is supposed to resupply the city is delayed west of Shangil Tobay in North Darfur.Last week, the security committee of South Darfur issued a decision requiring merchants to sell petrol gallons for SDG26 ($5.9) and of diesel for SDG21 ($4.7). “Any trader who sells fuel for higher prices will have their goods confiscated,” it was announced. The price of a gallon at the black market may reach up to SDG70 ($15.9). File photo: Transport in Darfur Related: South Darfur imposes price limit on fuel (16 August 2013)Transporters block Nyala bridge to protest Darfur fuel crisis (29 July 2013)