Zalingei – OnePress
A huge fire broke out in Um Dukhun market in Um Dukhun locality in Central Darfur, causing significant material losses after it devoured dozens of shops and stores inside one of the most important commercial centers in the region.
Pro-Darfur Victims and Hope and Refuge said in a joint statement that the fire caused widespread destruction and losses estimated at tens of billions of Sudanese pounds, amid great difficulties faced by fire suppression operations due to limited capabilities and lack of official services.
The statement accused the Rapid Support Militia, which controls the area, of responsibility for the incident, considering that targeting the market is part of an effort to weaken local economic activity and control vital commercial outlets in the border area.
The market is a major hub for trade with Chad and the Central African Republic, which makes any targeting of the market have wide economic and humanitarian repercussions on the local population.
The two organizations called on the concerned parties, chambers of commerce and community leaders to intervene urgently to support those affected and take measures to prevent the recurrence of such incidents, warning of their negative repercussions on the trade movement and living conditions in the region.