The chieftain of the Salamat tribe has disclosed that all areas to the north of the Rahad El Berdi locality in South Darfur were attacked recently by Al Taaysha tribesmen. Salamat leader, Brigadier (retired) Mohammed Bashir Musa calls the attacks \u201cmerciless\u201d and expresses regret that \u201cthe casualties include women and children\u201d.<\/p>\n
Rahad El Berdi, where many battles have been raging between Salamat and Al Taaysha is the stronghold of the latter. The two sides have been involved in clashes against each other in a spill-over conflict that began more than a month ago in Central Darfur.<\/p>\n
Brig Musa claims that \u201cthe Salamat are exercising self-restraint and defence\u201d, adding that the Sindow, Edd El Hussein, Debba, El Jerai, Wadi Azerek, Sheikh Al-Murr, Sheikh Bashir, and Kabasa areas in Rahad El Berdi have all been attacked by the Al Taaysha.<\/p>\n
Violent clashes between the tribes over the past few days have led to at least 36 dead and dozens wounded on both sides. Brig Musa blamed the Khartoum government for \u201cstanding idly by and not moving or intervening to resolve the situation\u201d. He called on all parties to abide by the agreement of cessation of hostilities.<\/p>\n
The warring parties signed a peace treaty on 15 April in South Darfur, however, it is alleged that a few days later, 500 Salamat families were deported from Rahad El Berdi city to Nyala in a move jointly coordinated by state and local authorities.<\/p>\n
Witnesses informed Radio Dabanga on Tuesday that violence had also resumed in Mukjar locality, Central Darfur, after the arrival of 25 \u201cmilitary vehicles\u201d belonging to Misseriya and Abbala \u201cmilitias\u201d. The Brigadier refuted these reports.<\/p>\n
Before spreading north and to South Darfur, tribal tensions rose on April 3 in Umm Dukhun, Central Darfur, when a Misseriya tribesman allegedly opened fire and robbed a Salamat man. He was not hurt, but hostilities erupted the next day with 4,000 men from both sides exchanging fire.<\/p>\n
Reliable sources suggest that the Al Taaysha tribe is supporting the Misseriya against the Salamat in South Darfur. The UNHCR said that as result of the battles in South and Central Darfur 50,000 people sought refuge in Chad within a short period of time, terming it the \u201clargest influx of refugees from Sudan into Chad since 2005\u201d.<\/p>\n
Brig Musa has visited the refugees in Chad and describes their plight as very difficult. \u201cTheir money was stolen, many were killed or injured, their region has been devastated and the complete destruction of the infrastructure has compromised security.\u201d<\/p>\n
He told Radio Dabanga that committees are now working to schedule a final agreement for peace between the warring parties. \u201cAll parties will be committed to the agreement,\u201d he concluded.<\/p>\n
Photo: new refugees arriving in Chad (Radio Dabanga)<\/em><\/p>\n Related<\/em>: Fresh tribal clashes in South and Central Darfur<\/a> (7 May 2013)<\/p>\n