Protests in Foro Baranga over lack of currency

Tensions are heightened as villagers from surrounding villages gather in the cityThe citizens of Foro Baranga (western Darfur) protested the lack of availability of the new currency in front of the city council on Sunday. Although stocks of new currency were expected on Wednesday, they were still missing on Sunday. According to a witness, the situation became problematic in markets, where merchants refused the old currency, leading to a price hike. The tension has heightened since inhabitants from over 20 outlying villages began gathering in the city in the hope of changing their money.The Republic of Sudan is introducing a new currency as a result of the secession of South Sudan. Its availability has, however, been  scarce in the country’s conflict-struck regions, where banks and  security is lacking.