Three killed in clashes between farmers and herders in Darfur

November 28, 2015 (NYALA) – Three farmers have been killed Friday by cattle herders in two separate incidents in South and East Darfur states.

The first incident took place in Labado area, in the locality of Shaeria, East Darfur when a herder killed two farmers after they attempted to seize a flock of sheep that entered their farms and damaged their crops.

A relative of one of the victims told Sudan Tribune Saturday that his uncle Omer and his neighbor were killed at the hand of the pastor, saying the latter shot and killed them on the spot before he ran off.

He said that they reported the incident to the police but they took no action, pointing to a broad campaign of attacks by cattle herders on the farms in the area.

He demanded the state government to deploy troops to protect their farmers and their crops.

Also, another eyewitness in Abga Ragel area in the locality of Al-Salam, South Darfur told Sudan Tribune that a farmer was killed following an altercation with herders who sought to seize his crops, saying that pastors continued to attack residents’ farms causing heavy losses for farmers.

It is noteworthy that the local authorities decided to allow the cattle herders to enter the farms on January 1st 2016 and promised harsh penalties for those who bring their cattle into the farms prior to that date.

However, herders continued to violate the directives without intervention from the authorities.

(ST)