European diplomats voice concern over East Darfur clashes
May 13, 2015 (KHARTOUM) – European Union (EU) diplomats in Khartoum said “deeply concerned” by the resumption of tribal clashes in East Darfur and called to allow humanitarian access to the affected civilians.
The attack by Rizeigat tribesmen on the Ma’alia stronghold area of Abu-Karinka resulted in the death of over hundred people. Also, the clashes showed the government failure to put an end to this saga of violence between the two pastoral tribes.
The two sides had been building up before the fighting. On Saturday 9 May the governor of East Darfur state, al-Tayeb Abdel-Karim, announced the formation of joint committees including members of the two sides to convince the armed tribesmen to disperse stressing that the mobilization could lead to resumption of tribal clashes.
“The European diplomats are deeply concerned about the resumption of fighting which was foreseeable and further undermines the security and stability situation in Darfur,” said a statement released on Wednesday.
EU missions in the Sudanese capital called to stop the fighting and “urged the authorities to protect civilians from harm, strengthen their efforts to appease the situation and complete a peaceful and enduring solution to the roots of the conflict”
Also, they urged the Sudanese religious and traditional leaders and civil society groups to campaign for the end of the fighting and support the mediation efforts.
On Wednesday, the Ma’alia renewed accusations against the central and state governments saying they provide support or directly involved in the conflict. But officials deny the accusations.
It was reported that the state government didn’t want to deploy its troops who are in majority are members of the Rezeigat tribe.
The European diplomat voiced their support for the request of aid group to provide humanitarian assistance to the needy from both sides.
They “urged the authorities to protect civilians from harm, strengthen their efforts to appease the situation and complete a peaceful and enduring solution to the roots of the conflict,” said the statement.
(ST)