Markets empty across Sudan’s Eastern Equatoria state due to referendum vote

By Ijoo Bosco

10 January, 2011 (TORIT) – With the beginning of polling on 9 January, most of the markets across Eastern Equatoria state continue to remain empty due to the local orders issued by the state governor to close down all bars and shops.

The market in Torit town called Omoliha will remain closed until the second day of the polling.

Southern Sudan is at the milestone of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) that ended more than two decades of civil war between the north and the south of Sudan.

In Eastern Equatoria markets were left empty on the first day of as the people were voting. The citizens in Magwi, Torit and Ikotos and the greater Kapoeta found out that the only things available were beef, greens, soft drinks and water, known locally as “nyetee” or “kerekede” – which was in high demand due to the hot weather. Better prepared families bought provisions before the vote.

It is believed that many wanted to vote on the first day because they were so excited by the prospect of an independent southern Sudan. This first day surge caused disruption in the markets.

(ST)