Central Darfur traders denounce ‘fees for military campaigns’

The traders of Central Darfur have denounced the new fees imposed by the Sudanese government in support of its military campaigns, according to an opposition movement. “The new fees on the traders support the Sudanese army troops and militias armed by the government for killing, looting and displacing unarmed civilians”, Sheikh Matar Younis Ali Hussein, chairperson of the Young Rebels for Freedom and Democracy told Radio Dabanga. The Koran scholar at the Great Mosque in Zalingei, the capital of Central Darfur, said that the fees range between SDG250 to SDG500 ($44-$87). This was announced through mosques and on the streets. Hussein appealed to the traders, the Chamber of Commerce, and all the citizens to reject, resist, and not to assist in the implementation of the Khartoum’s “unjust decision”, nor listen to the threats of arrest and abuse by militiamen if people refuse to pay. “Citizens are now living in very difficult economic conditions amid poverty, price rises and lack of job opportunities. Yet the government imposes more charges which adversely affect the poor ordinary citizen”, Hussein stressed. File photo: Market men in a city in Darfur