Residents of 9 South Darfur camps say militias imposing taxes

Displaced living in nine different camps in South Darfur say pro-government militias are imposing taxes on the firewood or hay they collect. In case fees are not paid, camps’ residents are beaten or threatened with death. The population of Marshang said militiamen stationed in the area are charging between 50 and 150 Sudanese pounds ($11 and $33) from anyone who wants to collect firewood or straw. Sources told Radio Dabanga the most recent attack happened last Sunday when “a number of displaced of camp Solo” were beaten and had their firewood, carts and tools confiscated by insurgents. They were released along with their possessions after disbursing 150 SDG each. Marshang displaced are calling for action from state and local authorities to address the situation as “collecting firewood and hay are their only sources of income”.One month ago, residents of Kass in South Darfur set a militia checkpoint on fire which was used by the gunmen to collect “protection money” from them.File photo: women carrying firewoodRelated: Gunmen retaliate after S Darfur residents burn their checkpoint (13 March 2013)