Two Darfur tribes sign peace deal
July 26, 2013 (KHARTOUM) – Two conflicting tribes in North Darfur state, the Beni Hussein and Rizegat have signed a peace pact on Thursday to end one of the bloodiest conflicts in Darfur.
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.
The agreement, which included 21 provisions, focused on identifying losses and determining compensations as well as the mutual commitment to an immediate cessation of hostilities. It also stated that government authorities will assume administrative responsibility over Jebel Amer.
It further provided for returning stolen land, opening roads, securing markets and farms and controlling movement of vehicles.
The deal called for setting up a compensation fund from the gold revenues of Jebel Amer. 65% of the money shall be allocated for Diyas (blood money), 25% for rehabilitating localities which were adversely impacted by the conflict including Al-Seraif locality, and 10% for insurance and administrative expenses.
The signatories have stressed their commitment to the implementation of the deal and to ensure its sustainability under all circumstances.
The governor of North Darfur state, Osman Youssef Kibir, according to the pro-government Ashorooq TV, described the deal as a new dawn for Darfur, stressing that it opens a new chapter in the history of the region.
He asserted that the deal was comprehensive and gained the mutual consent of signatories who vowed to implement all its provisions.
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)