Fresh tribal clashes break out in Darfur
June 25, 2013, (KHARTOUM) – At least 9 people were killed and dozens fled their homes when violence erupted between Al-Gimir and Bani Halba tribes in the town of Katela in South Darfur.
The spokesperson of Al-Gimir tribe, Abakar al-Tom, has issued a press statement accusing Bani Halba tribe of attacking them from three directions including Shateen, Buhairat, and Abu Garageer areas which lie 17 Kilometers west of the headquarters of Katela locality.
He said the attackers used 10 four-wheel drive vehicles as well as motorcycles and horses, pointing that the retreat of the special force to Edd al-Fursan locality aided the assailants.
Al-Tom further disclosed that 9 members of Al-Gimir tribe were killed in the attack and dozens of houses destroyed in Shateen area and accused Bani Halba tribe of violating the truce between the two tribes four times, describing the security situation in the area as “fragile”.
Similar clashes between the two tribes took place last month leaving dozens dead or injured from both sides.
Tribal clashes have recently mounted in Sudan’s Darfur region.
Over 40 people were killed and about 45 others injured in fresh clashes between Al-Salamat and Misseriya tribes in Central Darfur state this week.
TRIBAL TENSIONS IN NORTH KORDOFAN
In the nearby state North Kordofan, tribal tensions have mounted between the Kababeesh and Jabal Hamra tribes in the town of Sudari against the backdrop of a dispute over a gold exploration site.
An eyewitness said that tribesmen have taken up arms in anticipation of possible clashes, saying that the town is sliding towards a new tribal conflict.
A tribal leader and an MP told reporters yesterday that the two tribes are mobilizing their members and called on the government to immediately put an end to the escalation.
Last Friday, the Sudanese president, Omer Hassan al-Bashir, warned against tribal strife in some areas of the country, noting that Sudan is facing challenges that need cooperation of all its people.
“The tribal conflicts in a number of Sudan’s areas constitute the biggest threat to the country,” al-Bashir said when addressing a meeting of the Shura Council of the ruling National Congress Party (NCP).
“Some people inside the tribes work to instigate the conflicts” he said, warning against the danger of such moves.
North Kordofan state which forms part of Sudan’s commercial heartland, is a hub for the country’s agriculture, livestock and gum Arabic industries.
The state has witnessed security disturbances when rebels of the Sudan Revolutionary Front (SRF) launched surprise attack on the town of Um Rawaba.
(ST)