Investigation body leaves East Darfur without meeting Rezeigats leaders

June 2, 2015 (ED DAEIN) – A Sudanese government commission of inquiry on the tribal clashes in East Darfur state left Ed Daein without meeting with the traditional leaders of the Rezeigat tribe.

Following the deadly clashes between Ma’alia and Rezeigat tribes last May, Sudanese minister of Justice Mohamed Bushara formed an investigation commission to inquire into the recent tribal dispute.

The move took place after the government admitted the failure of traditional reconciliation conferences to end the tribal conflict which lasts since years despite the different mediations meetings.

The fact finding committee composed of legal and security officials met only members of the native administration and tribal leaders from the Ma’alia tribe. The Rezeigat refused to cooperate or to meet with the investigation body.

The head of Ma’alia Shoura Council, Mardas Guma, told Sudan Tribune that the commission of inquiry conducted extensive investigations with the umdas and dignitaries of his tribe and also met with the security services officials.

Guma added that the Ma’alia native administration allowed the investigation team to undertake all the actions needed to fulfill it mission and achieve its goals.
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The Ma’alia have accused high-level officials in the Sudanese government including the vice-president Hasabo Abdel Rahman and held them responsible for deadly clashes with the Rezeigat. They also say the Rezeigat use sophisticated weapons, pointing that many of them are part of the government’s militia groups.

A Rezeigat umda, Mohamed Haj Mrano, told Sudan Tribune that the commission has not met with the leaders of the Rizeigat native administration because of the hostile protests carried out by the youth of his tribe in the state capital Ed Daein after the arrival of the investigators.

Mrano said they commission members met only with the state and security officials, pointing that Rezeigat will not recognize the findings of the investigation body unless a committee is formed to probe all the previous tribal clashes.

“It is necessary to return to the eternal relations between the Rezeigat and Ma’alia. Dialogue is the most effective way to reach a solution satisfactory to both parties,” he further said.

The traditional leader called for a negotiated solution and to stop hostile statements. He also called to reinforce the security forces in the nine counties of the state to prevent the renewal of intercommunal conflicts.

(ST)