Former Darfur rebels attack al-Fasher market

Oct 13, 2006 (Al-Fasher) — Al-Fasher merchants accused soldiers of a former rebel group of rampaging the capital of North Darfur State market and closed their shops to mark in a sign of protest.

Northern Darfur merchants have presented a protesting memo to state governor Osman Youcif Kibir against the ex-Darfur rebel Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM) Minni Arkoi Minawi elements for bad performance being practiced by the group in Al-Fashir, market.

Merchants closed down their shops in Al-Fashir since last night and today because SLM, Minawi elements, were looting properties from the market, the pro ruling party SMC reported.

The rebel Justice and Equality Movement said in a press statement yesterday that the violence was committed by the Janjaweed militias in the region.

Following the rampage, the Governor Yousif Kibir tried to restrain the attackers. “His attempt to discipline them was cut short. The militia leader saidthat his instructions come directly from Albashir, and not from lowly State Governors like Kibir”.

Concordant reports from Darfur say that Minawi troops are working side by side with the Janjaweed militia and government forces in the region.

(ST)