A fire broke out at a market in the south of the Abyei region on Monday, burning stores and causing great losses to traders.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Tuesday, one of the affected traders at Aneit market said: “I have lost 5 sacks of seeds, 8 sacks of sorghum, and 3 sacks of maize. In addition to this I also lost phone airtime cards and mobile chargers.”

The authorities said that the fire began around midnight. Investigations are still underway to determine actual losses and the cause of the fire.

Witnesses said the fire was quelled by the forces of UNISFA though they use of primitive means such as buckets and jerrycans to pour water onto the burning fire.

The chairman of the Abyei trade chamber called on the Government of South Sudan to provide fire trucks in the region.