Market in Darfur Burned Over Phone

A citizen was seriously injured in a shooting in the town of Adu Kom, located about 70 kilometers southeast of Zalingei in Central Darfur State, on Wednesday, following a dispute between two armed groups in the weekly market over a smartphone.

Community leader Ibrahim al-Toumi Adam told Darfur24 that the dispute escalated into violence, resulting in the burning of large parts of the market and injuries to Abu al-Qasim Ibrahim, 25, who was transferred to Zalingei Hospital for treatment. Tensions remain high in the town.

He indicated that local authorities have begun intervening and contacting the civilian administration and the Rapid Support Forces militia to request the deployment of a force to separate the two groups.

For his part, eyewitness Musa Itih told Darfur24 that residents began fleeing to neighboring villages after armed men threatened to burn the village down if the owner of the stolen phone was not compensated and his phone returned. He added that residents moved some of their belongings and children to neighboring villages for fear of another attack.

A tense atmosphere prevails in the town, with residents fearing renewed violence and further casualties.