A large fire has destroyed more than 50 shops at Amiet market in the contested territory of Abyei between Sudan and South Sudan on Tuesday evening.

The market was established last year to sustain peace between the Ngok Dinka and Misseriya tribes in the area.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Wednesday, Chol Chagath, Head of the Peace Commission in Abyei, said over 50 shops burnt to ashes after an extensive fire broke out inside the market on Tuesday.

The official further said traders have lost their shops, goods and money. “I want to thank God that nobody died during the incident, but the losses that we have incurred were money, commodities, some tea equipment and other things,” he said.

Chol pointed out that there was nobody found responsible for the incident according to the preliminary report, saying some people narrated that the fire was caused by a man who disposed cigarettes on the ground near a gallon of petrol.

 “Until now we cannot accuse anyone of involvement in the incident, but we will get more details about the fire outbreak as soon as possible from the joint committee responsible for the Amiet market,” he said.

For his part, Sultan Nyol Paguot, who heads a peace committee between the two tribes, said: “we cannot point the finger at anyone, but according to the information we have received, the fire broke out as a result of someone who was smoking near a gasoline of patrol, while others said that the fire started inside a restaurant, but until now we are unable to verify it,” he said.

Sultan Nyol called on international and local humanitarian organizations in Abyei to offer any assistant to the Sudanese and South Sudanese traders who lost their belongings.

 “I want to ask our friends in Abyei, both international and national organizations to help the peace process in Abyei, because the Amiet market was established as a result of peace signed between the Misseriya and Dinka Ngok to encourage peaceful coexistence in the disputed area of Abyei,” he said.

Photo: A house burning in Yida camp, 15 November 2013 (Radio Tamazuj)