Arson suspected as cash, goods lost in South Darfur market blaze

Traders lost more than just their goods and shops when fire swept through the Grand Market of Nyala in South Darfur this week. Large amounts in cash – hoarded in response to the current liquidity crisis – also burned to ashes.

File photo

Traders lost more than just their goods and shops when fire swept through the Grand Market of Nyala in South Darfur this week. Large amounts in cash – hoarded in response to the current liquidity crisis – also burned to ashes.

Eight shops burned-out completely with the loss of parcels, medicine, clothes and shoes. The fire is officially said to be the result of an electrical short-circuit, however traders are sceptical and some suggest arson.

Witnesses told Dabanga Radio that the fire destroyed large amounts of cash money held by traders in their shops – as they need cash to buy new goods, and banks do not provide enough cash any more.

Witnesses said that one of the traders lost SDG 36,000 ($760) and another claims SDG 240,000 ($5,000) was lost.

* All SDG currency conversions are approximate based on the daily US Dollar rate quoted by the Central Bank of Sudan (CBoS)