Death toll from Central Darfur’s tribal clashes rises to 48

November 16, 2022 (KHARTOUM) – The number of victims of the recent tribal violence in central Darfur state has risen to 48 from 24 reported earlier, said the government’s Humanitarian Aid Commission (HAC).

On 9 November 2022, clashes erupted between the Misseriya and Awlad Rashid clan of the Rezeigat tribe near Juguma village in Bendasi locality of Central Darfur state, following the armed robbers stole a motorcycle and killed its owner.

“HAC reports that an estimated 15,000 people, mostly women and children, fled Juguma village to Tuktuka village and that at least 48 people have reportedly been killed and 17 injured, reads a testament released by UN OCHA.

UN humanitarian agency added that these numbers have yet to be verified.

The statement mentioned the possible escalation of the tribal clashes appointing to the continued tribal mobilization by the two sides. Also, Juguma market has been looted and 16 nomad settlements were burned.

“The situation is tense and unpredictable,” said OCHA.

The villagers sought refuge in the West Darfur town of Foro Baranga. Also, others crossed the border into neighbouring Chad.

The government deployed security forces to the affected area. Additional troops have been dispatched from South Darfur and Khartoum.

Due to the continued insecurity, aid workers have been evacuated from Juguma and suspended humanitarian operations in the villages around Bendasi.

The report said that violence affected the delivery of health, nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene services to about 30,000 people, of whom 8,000 are internally displaced persons (IDPs) living in Juguma village which is located 250 km southwest of the state capital, Zalingei.

The state government declared a state of emergency for one month and imposed a curfew from 06.00 pm to 06.000am.

(ST)