Residents from the Al Abbasiya village in Tagali county, South Kordofan, accuse pro-government militias of attacking them last Tuesday. They claim these are recurrent attacks that happen under the auspices of government authorities.
Al Abbasiya, inhabited by a clan of the Nuba tribe known as Tagali, was attacked last Tuesday by armed pro-government militias who looted a large number properties and livestock from local residents. Witnesses revealed that the Aljabel Market and Coudy Ali neighborhood were burned to the ground and the furniture from houses was stolen. An eyewitness to this event also added that on Tuesday 5 gunmen attacked a village near Al Abbassiya and looted more than 65 head of cattle.
Residents told Radio Tamazuj that the militias, driving vehicles, constantly carry out attacks in the area and that the government is aware of it. They say they are afraid of reporting the crimes because the gunmen themselves belong to the authorities. They also told Radio Tamazuj that the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) carry out the attacks around the Tagali areas together with the militias. The SAF claims they attack the people from Tagali because they loyal to the Sudan People Liberation Movement North (SPLM-N).
Some of the stolen furniture is now for sale at the Al Abbasiya market. However, former owners complain they cannot report the incident to authorities. They demand the concerned authorities to improve their roles regarding the protection of citizens.
In addition, sources informed Radio Tamazuj that gunmen attacked a village near Al Abbassiya last Tuesday. They say more than 65 heads of cattle were stolen and local authorities remained completely silent.