Al-Junaynah, November 17 (Darfur24)
The head of the civil administration in West Darfur State, Tijani Al-Tahir Karshoum, announced that security forces have arrested 43 individuals accused of allowing their livestock to enter cultivated farms before the harvest, causing extensive damage to farmlands during the current agricultural season.
Karshoum said in press statements that the defendants were subjected to summary trials, which resulted in each person receiving a one-year prison sentence and a fine of 5 billion Sudanese pounds.
He stressed that the agricultural season is a “red line” because it is directly linked to the livelihoods of citizens, adding that authorities will show zero tolerance toward any actions that endanger the harvest.
Karshoum announced that the official date for the period when livestock are allowed to enter fields after harvesting crop residues has been set for January 15. He noted that the security and executive authorities are on high alert to prevent friction between farmers and herders and to ensure that livestock remain away from farmland until harvesting is complete.
He praised the efforts of the security and executive bodies in the state, saying they are working continuously to maintain stability and deliver services.
Karshoum added that the total cultivated area this season reached 2 million acres, and emphasized that the authorities would deal firmly with any threats to the agricultural season or disruptions to harvest operations.
West Darfur has been under Rapid Support Forces (RSF) control since mid-2023.