Sudanese traders in Awiel town, Northern Bahr el Ghazal, have closed their shops in protest against continuous robbery of their shops.

They say thieves always break into their shops through the roofs or break padlocks at night.

The traders yesterday refused to open their shops, saying they will keep them closed until the government guarantees safety of their assets.

Ahmed Hussein Abubaker, the secretary of the Sudanese Traders’ Union in the state, says they are discouraged in their businesses.

This is out control completely as they [thieves] always break into the shops through ceiling of the roof or break the padlocks at night without being heard by the night patrolling police,” Mr Hussein told Eye Radio.

The Deputy Chairperson of the Chamber of Commerce in the state, Garang Athian, has confirmed the frequent robbery.

“Yes it’s true. There was a theft in market here and police managed to rescue some properties of the traders including 4535 SSP,” Mr Athian confirmed.

Sudanese traders own most of the shops in Aweil town. The closure of the shops has made it difficult for local people to get goods in the market.