KHARTOUM, Aug. 7 (Xinhua) -- Sudanese government on Monday launched a campaign for collecting arms and unlicensed vehicles in Sudan's Darfur region, Sudan Tribune reported.
Sudan's Vice President Hasabo Mohamed Abdul-Rahman made the announcement during a meeting with army and security chiefs, as well as local officials, amid his visit to El Fasher, capital of North Darfur State.
"The Presidency of the Republic has granted a mandate to all forces to confiscate unlicensed cars without compensation and also firearms," Abdul-Rahman was quoted as saying.
"The intensive spread of arms in Darfur constitutes the biggest threat to the country," he said, adding that "as of today, we will not allow any person other than the regular forces to carry arms."
The vice president reiterated that the entry of unlicensed cars into the country has harmed the national economy.
During a visit to Darfur states last year, Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir stressed the country's determination to collect arms in the region and divided the project into two phases, the first through financial compensation for each piece collected and the second through a compulsory law that included punishment to the violators.
Earlier, the government announced formation of a High Committee for collection of arms and unlicensed vehicles. Enditem
