Abdul-Wahid’s Movement Sets Up Military Gates and Imposing Tolls in Darfur
The Sudan Liberation Movement, led by Abdul-Wahid Mohamed Nour, imposed tolls ranging from 50,000 to 100,000 Sudanese pounds on vehicles crossing the Nertiti-Zalingei road in Central Darfur State following its reopening.
The movement had closed the road for more than six months due to increased attacks by armed men obstructing pedestrians.
Darfur 24 published demands from vehicle owners to reopen the main road linking the cities of Nertiti and Zalingei, with the aim of alleviating the suffering and security risks resulting from using alternative routes during the fall season.
One vehicle owner told Darfur 24 on Tuesday that the Sudan Liberation Movement – Abdul-Wahid’s faction – allowed them to pass through the Nertiti-Zalingei road on Monday, amid tight security measures. He pointed out that the movement has set up military gates at the entrances and exits of its areas of control, where it collects fees of 100,000 Sudanese pounds for large vehicles and 50,000 pounds for small vehicles.
He added, “At the first gate, they asked me for 50,000 Sudanese pounds and issued me a search warrant that did not specify the amount. When I arrived at the last gate, they asked me for another 50,000 pounds and for handing over the search warrant.