UNAMID says alarmed by fresh tribal clashes in South Darfur
July 16, 2015 (EL FASHER) – The African Union United Nation Mission in Darfur on Thursday said alarmed by reports about the escalation of tribal violence between Reizegat and Habaniya groups in South Darfur this week.
Reports from the South Darfur say over 17 persons were killed when the fighting between the two tribal groups erupted on Tuesday 14 July in Al-Sunt locality, 150 kilometres south-east of the state capital Nyala.
The clashes were allegedly triggered by a cattle rustling incident for which both tribes have mobilized their fighters.
The UNAMID expresses “serious concern” over reports of escalating tensions and clashes between the Rezeigat and the Habaniya tribes, said a statement released by the peacekeeping operation Thursday.
The hybrid mission “strongly urges the leaders and members of both tribes to exercise maximum restraint, engage in meaningful dialogue to resolve their disputes and refrain from all acts that would lead to further intensification of violence, loss of life and potential displacement of innocent persons,” further said the statement.
The statement said the UNAMID would do its utmost to facilitate and support efforts by the government and traditional tribal leaders to end the fighting and achieve reconciliation between the two parties.
On Tuesday, the secretary of native administration at the South Darfur government confirmed the fighting and said that armed members from the Rezeigat tribe attacked several villages in Abyad area in Al-Sunt locality.
He added that regular troops were deployed in the area to contain the situation, and confirmed that the Rezeigzt burnt several villages
In a related development, South Darfur governor, Adam al-Faki relieved Al-Sunt commissioner from his position, in a decree released on Thursday.
The state government officials say the commissioner Mohamed Suleiman Abu Draha was unreachable during the incidents and failed to take the necessary measures.
(ST)