Tawila, January 26 (Darfur24)
The Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM) in Tawila, North Darfur, ordered the temporary detention of Chamber of Commerce officials on Saturday, following widespread complaints from residents over the unauthorized seizure and auction of local agricultural lands.
Local sources reported to Darfur24 on Monday that a force from the SLM had closed the Chamber of Commerce office and taken the head of the Chamber and five employees for questioning. The officials were interrogated for more than four hours before being released.
The arrests came amid escalating complaints from residents and traders about the Chamber of Commerce allegedly converting privately owned farmland into commercial shops and relocating the tobacco market to the northeastern part of the city without consultation. Merchants reported that some stalls were sold for one billion Sudanese pounds each, prompting anger among landowners and local traders.
The Tawila locality is a major center for tobacco cultivation, one of the largest sources of income in the region. The SLM, which expanded its presence in Tawila following the outbreak of conflict under the pretext of civilian protection, also controls parts of Jebel Marra. The area has seen significant commercial activity due to the long-term presence of more than 650,000 displaced people.
Residents and traders told Darfur24 that the SLM leadership had previously instructed that land seizures and market relocations be halted, but the Chamber of Commerce continued the actions, prompting the movement to intervene.
The incident highlights ongoing tensions between local authorities, armed groups, and civilian institutions in North Darfur, as communities struggle to protect their lands and livelihoods amid the conflict.