Sudan army in ‘major’ search campaign for alcohol, N Darfur

Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) carried out a “major” search campaign in Kutum looking for places selling or manufacturing alcoholic beverages, local residents say. “Several people” were allegedly arrested on Tuesday morning as a result.   Bystanders told Radio Dabanga the local SAF commander believes alcohol is one of the main reasons border guards and militias carry out abuses against civilians, considering their inhibitions are lowered when drunk.Thus, in an attempt to prevent further violations from happening, SAF-soldiers arrested “several people” accused of providing liquor to militias and border guards.Six months ago, the governor of North Darfur declared a state of emergency in Kutum locality following a wave of violence in the area. He ordered all law enforcement services to withdraw and the military assumed all of the security posts.The police force was scheduled to be reinstated in the city last Sunday, but local sources say the army is still in control. According to them, the security situation is “unstable” at the moment.Separately, pro-government militias raided on Monday three homes in Kutum’s neighborhood of Hayan Mattar.Eyewitnesses told Radio Dabanga the militants arrived in the vicinity on Land Cruisers at around 9:00pm and began firing shots in the air, “alarming the residents”.Next, they invaded the home of Mubarak Fadel and took one TV and three mobile phones, before stealing mobile phones from his neighbors and fleeing.Related: ‘Abu Tira’ replaces armed forces in N Darfur camp- sources (18 March 2013)