Merchants in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, have accused members of General al-Burhan’s army (SAF) and allied units of systematically looting shops in the city’s livestock market, with stolen goods openly resold in nearby neighborhoods.
Trader Adam Musa Abkar told Darfur 24 that thefts have become rampant in the market, taking place in broad daylight with no action from local authorities.
“Shops are being looted in front of everyone, and the authorities remain silent,” Abkar said.
Another shop owner, speaking on condition of anonymity for security reasons, said that stolen goods and citizens’ property are being sold in residential areas and at the Naivasha market, sometimes in full view of SAF commanders.
An activist in El Fasher echoed these claims, saying that “most of the thefts from shops and homes are carried out by SAF troops, their allied joint forces, and popular mobilization units,” adding that looted items are openly displayed for sale in Naivasha Market and the First Class neighborhood.
Earlier, soldiers from units supporting the SAF’s 6th Infantry Division admitted to Darfur 24 that dire living conditions had driven some troops to loot abandoned homes of civilians who had fled the war.
Local traders and activists have called on the police and authorities in El Fasher to act immediately to protect the remaining businesses in the livestock market.
