Commercial activity has resumed, albeit slowly, in the main market in Zalingie town in Sudan’s Central Darfur State slightly over two weeks after the town fell under the control of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The inhabitants of the town are breathing a collective sigh of relief after some calm has returned to the town which is now witnessing the reopening of hospitals, clinics, markets, and the resumption of public transportation among others.
The main Zalingei market which is located in the center of the town has recorded a noticeable amount of activity in the past few days with street vendors and shop owners cautiously recommencing work. There has also been a considerable influx of shoppers to the market.
Zalingei resident Muawiya Khamis told Radio Tamazuj that although the market is now relatively active, it still lacks the requisite security that will instill confidence among the people. He pointed out that the citizens of Zalingei steered clear of tribal conflicts like the ones that occurred in neighboring areas and this led to normalcy returning quickly.
Another resident, citizen Omar Abakar, who works as an automobile mechanic, pointed out that the activity in the market is picking up but that many people, especially government employees, have no money because they have not been paid salaries for a while.
“The war has made acquiring an additional craft an indispensable necessity and relying on the government salary has made many young people unemployed,” he said.
Abaker called on the young men to pursue jobs that would earn them money so that they could face the challenges of the current situation.
For his part, a trader, Mohammed Malik, stressed the importance of security support for the stability of the market and recommended the provision of more security through the security focal points since many traders are cautiously resuming work.
“The security issue stands as an obstacle in the way of a complete reopening of the market,” he said while noting that many merchants now display their goods on movable tables but still have no confidence to fully open their stores.
Many Zalingei traders say life has gradually returned to the town but that collaborative efforts between the RSF who now control the town and its inhabitants are required to build confidence.