UNAMID expresses concern over recent violence in East Darfur

April 20, 2016 (EL-FASHER) – The hybrid peacekeeping mission in Darfur (UNAMID) has expressed deep concern over the recent bloody clashes in East Darfur state and urged the conflicting parties to exercise self control.

On Monday, suspected tribal gunmen killed three guards and burned down the house of East Darfur governor in Ed Daein to protest against the death of a leading member of a Rezeigat militia.

The attack of the governor house by the Rezeigat Savanna Militia members intervened 24 hours after clashes between them and gunmen belonging to their arch-rival Maalia tribe where 12 people were killed over stolen camels in Yassin county in East Darfur.

In a statement extended to Sudan Tribune on Wednesday, UNAMID expressed deep concern over the violent clashes which culminated in the attack against the governor’s house, describing the bloody incidents as “unfortunate”.

It urged the concerned parties to exercise the highest level of self control and avoid carrying out any actions that could exacerbate the situation.

UNAMID stressed its readiness to offer protection for civilian population in need according to its mandate besides supporting government efforts to reduce the tensions through mediation and good offices.

East Darfur state is witnessing one of the longest and most deadly clashes in the region between the Rezeigat and the Ma’alia tribes since 1966. The conflict between the two tribes is triggered by disputes over land ownership.

Both the Rezeigat and the Maalia are pastoralist tribes, based in East Darfur. The centre of Rezeigat territory is in Ed Daein town, while the Maalia centre is in Adila, the second largest town after Ed-Daein.

(ST)