Mershing’s shops closed, protest against security situation

Shop owners of camp Mershing in South Darfur have their doors closed for two consecutive days now to draw authorities’ attention about the deteriorating security situation in the area, they told Radio Dabanga on Thursday, 3 January. Traders said the move is a protest against the inaction of authorities to prosecute the killers of Sheikh Suleiman Ibrahim Yassim from Silo camp, who was murdered last Sunday inside his home. They are also protesting against the failure of authorities to protect the sheikhs and displaced against attacks and violations carried out by pro-government militiamen. One of the camp’s traders told Radio they closed their shops on Wednesday because pro-government militias were roaming the market, threatening merchants and assaulting their homes at night. He used the example of the murder of the sheikh of Silo to illustrate his concerns. The displaced claim to have raised several failed complaints to authorities concerning attacks and violations they are subjected to by pro-government militias. They are now appealing to UNAMID and to state authorities to protect them and their properties.   Radio Dabanga had initially reported Yassim was a displaced from camp Silo; however, later testimonies indicated he was the camp’s sheikh. Radio Dabanga file photo