23 now dead, 12 wounded in West Darfur clashes

The death toll and casualty list in clashes between herders and farmers in Um Tajok, Kereinik locality in West Darfur, has risen to 23 dead and 12 wounded. Three villages have also been burned in the violence.

A contingent of army, police and security personnel have been sent to the area to intervene.

As previously reported by Radio Dabanga, seven people were killed, including the Imam of a mosque, and six others were wounded in the initial clash on Wednesday between herdsmen and farmers.

Witnesses told Radio Dabanga that a group of farmers went out to cultivate their lands. A group of Abbala herders intercepted them. The herders argued that the land has been ‘liberated’ and has become a pasture for camels and cattle.

When the farmers refused and insisted that the land belongs to them for farming, the herdsmen opened fire, killing seven of them outright, and wounding six others.

A witness told Radio Dabanga that on Thursday, a force from the army, security and police arrived at Um Tajok and intervened to break up the violence between the two sides. One of the soldiers was reportedly killed in the crossfire.

Witnesses said angry citizens attacked the vehicle of the Commissioner of Kereinik, Mohamed Omar Fideil, when he arrived to the scene. The mob tried to assault him which led to extensive damage to his vehicle.