Over 20 people killed in fresh Darfur tribal clashes

June 16, 2010 (KHARTOUM) — Over 20 people were killed during clashes between two rival tribes in southwest of the town of Zalingei in West Darfur.

The regular conflicts between the two Arab nomads tribes occur in the restive and arid province over the pasture and water sources which are almost non-existent during the summer.

The UNAMID today warned that “an expected lack of rainfall in North Darfur will likely lead to significant food and water shortages throughout the region”.

Armed men from the Rezeigat tribe on Tuesday attacked some Misseriya villages southwest of Zalingei where 10 people were killed on both sides. Clashes on Monday night led to the death of five people, according to statements by Ezzedin Eissa al-Mandil of the Misseriya to the AFP.

Also local press in Khartoum reported that eight people were killed on Sunday, the first day of fighting. However the number of wounded people remains undetermined.

The UNAMID on Tuesday confirmed the ongoing fighting in west Darfur adding “the fighting began yesterday morning between the Misserya and Mahadi tribes (Rizeigats braches) in Taringa village, located approximately 77km from Zalingei”.

Clashes in west Sudan’s Darfur region cost almost 600 lives in May, the highest monthly death toll since peacekeepers were deployed in 2008, according to a UN-African Union document.

(ST)