The head of the civil administration in Sudan’s West Darfur state, Tijani al-Tahir Karshoum, has ordered traders to accept 100- and 200-pound banknotes, threatening those who refuse with a fine of 2 million Sudanese pounds.
The civil administration operates in territory controlled by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and is part of the administration established by the RSF-aligned alliance known as TASIS.
Karshoum said that the two denominations remained legal tender and had not been withdrawn from circulation.
He said the order was issued following a recommendation by the Economic Mechanism and was intended to protect the national economy.
According to the order, anyone who refuses to accept or circulate 100- or 200-pound notes faces a fine of 2m Sudanese pounds. Those who fail to pay the fine could face three months in prison.
The order also instructs security agencies, including the police and other relevant authorities, to take measures to enforce it.
Karshoum said the Central Bank of Sudan had not issued any circular announcing the suspension or withdrawal of the two denominations.
Traders reject smaller notes
A resident of El Geneina told Radio Tamazuj on Friday that some traders and shopkeepers are continuing to refuse the smaller-denomination notes despite the order.
The resident said the exchange rate for 1,000 Chadian francs had risen to about 46,500 Sudanese pounds, which he attributed to speculation in the foreign exchange market.
He said the refusal to accept the notes is making it difficult for residents to buy basic goods, including flour and yeast.
The resident called on the local administration, security agencies and the Chamber of Commerce to intervene and address the problem.
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