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Barra City Suffers Militia Abuses and Looting of Property

moatinoon
The city of Barra in North Kordofan State is facing one of its worst security and humanitarian disasters amid widespread looting and plundering of citizens’ property by members of the regular forces and militias that recently regained control of the city.

On September 11, the Sudanese army recaptured Barra from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which had held the city since the early months of the conflict.

Eyewitnesses told moatinoon that Sudanese army troops, joint forces, and Sudan Shield fighters looted the city extensively, seizing citizens’ belongings.

They confirmed that theft included everything from agricultural crops to cooking utensils and household furniture.

According to activist Rania Gandour, the actions of the army, joint forces, and Sudan Shield in Barra are no less severe than those committed by the Janjaweed.

She wrote on her official Facebook page: “Intimidation, ammunition, theft, and terror by the power of arms.”

Activist Mohammed Khalifa also reported that forces entering Barra have been engaged in looting, robbery, and extortion.

He explained that the city is gripped by chaos and theft, with elements of the army and joint forces carrying out widespread burglaries of citizens’ homes.

Khalifa noted that these forces intimidate and extort residents by accusing them of collaborating with militias, then rob them at gunpoint.

He added: “They also loot empty houses, taking furniture, electrical appliances, cooking utensils - everything they can steal.”

According to Khalifa, the stolen goods are collected in certain locations before being transported from Barra to El-Obeid, where they are labeled as ‘war spoils.’

He stressed that this happens openly in front of officers and commanders without intervention, and the stolen property passes through checkpoints without being stopped until it reaches El-Obeid.

Once there, the looted items are reportedly displayed and sold in several markets, including Souq Taiba South and Souq Taiba North.

moatinoon has not received immediate comment from the Sudanese army, joint forces, or Sudan Shield regarding the looting of citizens’ property in Barra, North Kordofan.