Shortages as security forces levy fees for sorghum transports in West Darfur

The population of Sirba locality in West Darfur is suffering from a severe shortage of sorghum as well as a steep price increase as a result of fees security forces are demanding for its transport. The spokesperson of the Sirba camps reported to Radio Dabanga about a severe shortage of sorghum in the locality. He said this is due to restrictions imposed by security forces on the transport of sorghum from El Geneina, the capital of West Darfur, to the various places in the locality of Sirba. “We have to pay fees for a security permit every time we transport sorghum from El Geneina to Sirba. Cars and lorries leaving El Geneina are intercepted by security troops on motor cycles. They search the vehicles and when they find a load of sorghum, the vehicle is not allowed to proceed.”   The price of a large sack (approximately 100 kg) of sorghum has risen within three months from SDG110 ($19) to SDG280 ($49), in some places even to SDG350 ($61). “In addition to this, the planting season has been far from successful. And the farmers are hampered in their harvest by armed herders.” The spokesperson holds the security forces responsible for the food shortage in the locality of Sirba and demanded from the locality and state authorities to intervene to secure the transport of sorghum and other foodstuffs in West Darfur. He also reported about a severe water shortage in seven villages in Sirba, West Darfur. “Residents in the seven villages have to make do with one water pump, which means that they have to spend a whole day waiting in queues to get a little water.” The spokesperson appealed to the national and international organisations working in the field of water to relieve the villagers from “this suffering”. File photo: Water point in Turba, a few kilometres from El Fasher (Albert Gonzalez Farran/Unamid)