{"id":187193,"date":"2013-07-30T23:59:00","date_gmt":"2013-07-30T23:59:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dabangasudan.preview.websight.nl\/warring-tribes-swear-to-halt-violence-in-central-darfur\/"},"modified":"2013-07-30T23:59:00","modified_gmt":"2013-07-30T23:59:00","slug":"warring-tribes-swear-to-halt-violence-in-central-darfur","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dabangasudan.org\/en\/all-news\/article\/warring-tribes-swear-to-halt-violence-in-central-darfur","title":{"rendered":"Warring tribes \u2018swear to halt violence\u2019 in Central Darfur"},"content":{"rendered":"

The clashes between Misseriya and Salamat tribesmen that have raged for more than a week and left more than 100 dead and dozens more wounded in Central Darfur have reportedly subsided as the omdas of the tribes reached an accord.<\/p>\n

According to reports reaching Radio Dabanga from Wadi Saleh locality, the clashes came to an end on Tuesday afternoon when contingents of border guards were moved in to separate the warring parties.<\/p>\n

Ajaweed<\/em> facilitators from different tribes who travelled from state capital Zalingei, El Fasher, capital of North Darfur, and El Geneina, capital of West Darfur, went to the field to mediate between the fighters on Monday. On Tuesday, a delegation of 14 of the field commanders from each tribe met \u201cunder a tree in Wadi Salih\u201d, Misseriya omda of Wadi Salh locality, Omar Osman Jabora, told Radio Dabanga from Garsila.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn the presence of a delegation from the locality\u2019s Commissioner, they swore their commitment to peace, reconciliation and non-aggression,\u201d Jabora confirmed. He appealed to both sides \u201cto renounce differences, listen to the voice of reason and work diligently and faithfully to implement the Zalingei peace and reconciliation agreement\u201d.<\/p>\n

Omda Jabora was referring to the agreement reached at an Ajaweed <\/em>conference in Zalingei at the beginning of July, aimed at breaking a cycle of violence that broke out following a dispute between the tribes in Umm Dukhun in April.<\/p>\n

That violence left hundreds dead and wounded on each side, and \u2013 according to UN estimates \u2013 caused 50,000 people to seek refuge in neighbouring Chad.<\/p>\n

As reported previously by Radio Dabanga, the latest violence was sparked when, according to witnesses, the Salamat merchant was killed \u2013 allegedly by Misseriya tribesmen \u2013 in his shop at Garsila market on 22 July.<\/p>\n

Sources from the area have voiced their apprehension about the omdas\u2019 fragile new accord, saying that the armed groups have not withdrawn, and they fear \u201crenewed clashes at any moment\u201d.<\/p>\n

The violence has disrupted trade, transport, and all aspects of normal civilian life for the past seven days, but witnesses said that some routes were re-opened on Tuesday.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Bundisi-Mukjar road is open, but all other main roads are still closed. The markets of Bundisi, Mukjar and Deleig opened their doors again on Tuesday,\u201d a source told Radio Dabanga, \u201chowever the Garsila market remained closed.”<\/p>\n

WFP<\/strong><\/p>\n

Militia activity and the inter-tribal violence of the last week also impacted on the humanitarian work of NGOs in the area. Speaking to Radio Dabanga from Khartoum, a spokesperson for the UN World Food Programme (WFP), Amor Almagro, said that 32,000 people in Garsila rely on aid from the WFP, however \u201cdistribution was disrupted for 13 days due to ongoing fighting\u201d.<\/p>\n

Almagro explained that the distribution of the monthly food ration in Garsila was scheduled from 8-12 July, but could only be completed on 25 July.<\/p>\n

School looted<\/strong><\/p>\n

In a related incident, \u201cborder guards\u201d brought to Garsila to secure the city from invasion by tribesmen reportedly \u201clooted the entire contents\u201d of the city\u2019s High School for Boys before leaving on Tuesday.<\/p>\n

Teachers told Radio Dabanga that \u201cthe border guards loaded all computers, cupboards, chairs, books and school supplies onto their vehicles, before leaving for Zalingei at the end of their mission\u201d.<\/p>\n

A dejected teacher said that the men \u201ctore and burned any books or pamphlets they could not carry\u201d.<\/p>\n

File photo by Albert Gonz\u00e1lez Farran\/Unamid<\/em><\/p>\n

Related:<\/em><\/p>\n

Tribal violence ‘claims dozens more lives’ in Central Darfur<\/a> (29 July 2013)<\/p>\n

Sudanese army guard Garsila market as \u2018Misseriya gather for assault\u2019: Witnesses<\/a> (28 July 2013)<\/p>\n

Tribal clashes claim 10 more lives in Central Darfur<\/a> (26 July 2013)<\/p>\n

\u2018At least 100 dead, dozens injured\u2019 as Salamat and Misseriya clash again in Central Darfur<\/a> (11 June 2013)<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n