Rizeigat, Ma’aliya clash in East Darfur’s Abu Karinka

29/04/2015 21:39

At least 16 people were killed and injured in renewed clashes between Rizeigat and Ma’aliya tribesmen in Abu Karinka locality today.
Speaking to Radio Dabanga, multiple witnesses reported that fighting erupted early this (Wednesday) between Rizeigat and Ma’aliya in the area of Wad El Bilal, west of Abu Karinka town, against the backdrop of mutual livestock rustling.
“The clashes started at 7am, and lasted about five hours,” they said.

At least 16 people were killed and injured in renewed clashes between Rizeigat and Ma’aliya tribesmen in Abu Karinka locality today.

Speaking to Radio Dabanga, multiple witnesses reported that fighting erupted early this (Wednesday) between Rizeigat and Ma’aliya in the area of Wad El Bilal, west of Abu Karinka town, against the backdrop of mutual livestock rustling.

“The clashes started at 7am, and lasted about five hours,” they said.

According to the witnesses, both parties used Land Cruisers, mounted with machineguns. They said that the situation is very tense, with large gatherings of militant tribesmen in the area.

The commissioner of Ed Daein locality, Ali Taher Sharef, confirmed to Radio Dabanga that a clash took place near Abu Karinka.

Yet, he strongly denied the tribal element, and said that the fighting erupted between cattle thieves who had stolen 350 head of cattle and members of the paramilitary Central Reserve Police (Abu Tira).

He further said that “two Abu Tira troops” were killed, and ten others sustained injuries.