80 more killed on 5th day of battles between Central Darfur tribes

Armed hostilities between two tribes in Central Darfur that began last Wednesday continue for the fifth consecutive day. Sources say Monday’s clashes claimed 80 lives, bringing the total amount of dead to 163.   Umm Dukhun’s residents said tensions began to rise in the town on Wednesday morning after a member of the Misseriya tribe tried looting and opening fire on a Salamat man, who was not hurt. Hostilities erupted on Thursday following an apparent successful mediation that seemed to prevent 4,000 gunmen from battling each other just hours before. Local sources on Monday said the Misseirya burned the building of the administrative unit in Abugaradil, south of Umm Dukhun city and a Salamat stronghold. They added the entire village was looted. Monday’s fighting resumed at 8:30am and it took place in Gerlia, Umm Sauri and Abugaradil. Residents of these communities have reportedly fled to neighboring Chad. Witnesses complained about a total absence of government officials while “several people are being killed, injured and a number of Salamat and Misseriya tribesmen are missing”. Misseriya omda and head of the Shura of 36 tribes in the locality, Youssef Ishaq Al Nour, confirmed to Radio Dabanga that the administrative unit building in Abugaradil was burned by members of his tribe. Al Nour also confirmed that several people were killed or injured in the battles, although he was not yet sure about exact numbers. The omda claimed to be prepared to send a delegation to the battlefield to collect dead bodies and help the wounded. Students of Umm Dukhun universities are demanding the state to intervene and bridge the differences between the Salamat and Misseriya. They are also demanding authorities to enforce the rule of law, hold perpetrators of both sides accountable and provide aid and food to those affected by the battles.Radio Dabanga file photoRelated: Tribal clashes in Central Darfur continue, 73 killed -source (8 April 2013)