Damazin, September 24 (Darfur24)
The joint security cell in Sudan’s Blue Nile region announced on Wednesday the arrest of several traders and brokers during a campaign in Damazin market over alleged speculation in sugar and other basic commodities.
The security cell said in a statement that those arrested were accused of purchasing sugar and other food items in cash through the “break” system on behalf of traders involved in livestock and gold trading.
It said the practice had contributed to higher prices and increased pressure on consumers, while creating price differences between cash purchases and electronic payments and worsening cash shortages in local markets.
The detainees are being investigated ahead of possible legal action, while authorities said investigations were continuing to identify others suspected of involvement.
The campaign comes amid rising prices for basic commodities in Damazin, as residents complain about the high cost of living and shortages of cash.
The joint security cell comprises representatives of the army, General Intelligence Service and police. Its previously announced mandate has focused mainly on pursuing individuals and networks suspected of cooperating with the Rapid Support Forces, as well as maintaining security and combating what authorities describe as “negative phenomena.”
In June, the security cell announced the arrest of about 120 people accused of collaborating or spying for the Rapid Support Forces, or photographing government sites and institutions without authorization. Sources told Darfur24 at the time that some detainees were released after several days, while others remained in custody.
On September 1, the security cell announced that a court in Damazin had sentenced a person to death by hanging after convicting them of collaborating with the Rapid Support Forces.
The security cell’s operations have drawn criticism from human rights groups, which have accused it of detaining civilians without clear legal procedures, violating their privacy and searching their mobile phones.