Armed herdsmen attack village, release livestock on Central Darfur farmlands

Armed herdsmen released large numbers of camels and cattle onto farmlands in Um Dukhun locality, West Darfur, on Monday. They had attacked the Um Dukhun village of Marary the evening before.A resident of Marary reported to Radio Dabanga that on Sunday evening at about 10pm, they were suddenly attacked by herdsmen firing shots into the air. He could not confirm any casualties since “everyone fled their homes in all directions”.“The reason for the attack is a complaint the villagers lodged with the authorities against the herders because they were grazing their camels and livestock on our farmlands. On Sunday morning, the authorities responded and expelled the camels and cattle from the farmlands.”The villager added that herdsmen on Monday morning returned, releasing large numbers of camels and cattle on farmlands in the areas of Marary, Hagar Sultan, Tajarub, and Adam Fur.“The camels and livestock destroyed large tracts of millet, sorghum, beans and sesame. The herders, armed by the government, threatened to kill us and burn our villages if we again file a complaint against them with the authorities.” File photo by Albert González Farran/Unamid Related:Two farmers injured by herders in Central Darfur (12 November 2013)Militiamen take turns in raping female farmer in North Darfur (7 November 2013) Armed herders graze livestock on farmlands in South Darfur (1 November 2013)