Sudan will deploy forces to monitor truce between Darfur tribes: governor
August 6, 2013 (KHARTOUM) – The governor of North Darfur state, Mohamed Youssef Kibir, has announced that troops will soon be deployed to secure the peace pact which was recently signed between the Beni Hussein and Rizeigat (Aballa) tribes.
The UN estimates that some 150,000 people have been displaced following a spate of attacks by armed Abbala militias, elements of which include the notorious Janjaweed forces, which hit the headlines 10 years ago for brutal atrocities allegedly committed at the behest of the Sudanese government.
But in late July, the two tribes signed a peace deal to stem the tide of conflict between the two tribes in Jebel Amir area in North Darfur.
The agreement, which was concluded in the presence of Sudan’s First Vice President, Ali Osman Taha , calls on both parties to immediately cease hostilities, evacuate Jebel Amir gold mine and hand it over to government authorities. In addition, the deal calls for the reopening of major roads in the area and an end to armed mobilization.
The pact also provides for an end to illegal occupation of land and that all occupied land be returned to their rightful owners. It also calls for an end to hostile media campaigns by both tribes and the formation of a joint committee to address issues of concern in a peaceful manner.
Kibir, who spoke following the meeting of Taha with the ministries including defence, health, interior, security, and humanitarian affairs, said that the meeting was fruitful, pointing that they briefed the vice president on the implementation of the peace pact.
He added that the deal led to the return of 60% of the displaced population around the town of Al-Seraif, pointing that they are currently living their normal life.
The governor mentioned that the meeting has approved the humanitarian relief for the displaced people around Al-Seraif and Saraf Amra towns, stressing the need to provide them with food, clothing and shelter.
He also said that health teams were dispatched to the area to provide medical care for them.
Kibir stressed that the peace pact between Beni Hussein and Rizeigat is considered one of the best deals because it includes all elements of success.
Tribal clashes have recently mounted in Sudan’s Darfur region.
Over 40 people were killed and about 45 others injured in clashes between Al-Salamat and Misseriya tribes in Central Darfur state last June.
Despite numerous truces signed by the tribes fighting kept being re-ignited adding to the instability of the already restive region.
(ST)