Large armed force deployed in East Darfur capital

The East Darfur government deployed a large joint force of army, security and police on the streets and the main entrances of the state capital, Ed Daein with reinforcements of military vehicles: tanks, armoured vehicles, and Land Cruisers mounted with Dushka machineguns.

The deployment of the force came following the 7am to 7pm curfewin the city announcement by East Darfur Governor, Anas Omar, on Tuesday, and the extension of the State of Emergency a day after incidents that led to the house of the Governor and vehicles being burned on Monday.

Governor Anas Omar described the incidents of Ed Daein as “criminal and subversive” and said that “the perpetrators are known and monitored by the state Security Committee that would initiate an investigation, arrest and bring them to trial.

As reported by Radio Dabanga, 13 people are believed to have been killed in clashes between armed members of the Rizeigat and Ma’aliya tribes in Khor Taan area on Sunday. One tribal leader, Kharif, was killed, while leader Savannah sustained serious injuries.

Witnesses in Ed Daein told Radio Dabanga that the attack on Governor Omer’s house followed an accusation by tribesmen that Omer and the security service are responsible for Sunday’s events.

Unamid issued a statement yesterday in which it urged the relevant parties to these incidents to exercise the highest degree of restraint and avoid any actions which might exacerbate the situation.