Abbala herders release livestock by force on North Darfur farmlands; thousands displaced

About 7,000 people were displaced in Tawila locality in North Darfur when Abbala camel herders attacked their villages, and released their livestock on their farmlands on Saturday. Speaking to Radio Dabanga, fleeing villagers reported that a large group of Abbala tribesmen on camels and horses, and others in vehicles attacked the area of Jeleih, 15 km north of Tawila town, on Saturday. “They continuously fired shots into the air, which resulted in the wounding of a number of people. About 7,000 people fled towards Tawila town.” “The Abbala released their camels and livestock into our farmlands. The vegetables and fruits were just about to be harvested. The agricultural season had been successful, as the area of Jeleih is one of the most fertile areas of North Darfur. The agricultural and material losses amount to thousands of Sudanese pounds.” The camps for the displaced in Tawila locality have received thousands of villagers from Jeleih, a sheikh of Rwanda camp in Tawila told Radio Dabanga. He reported that those newly displaced living in the open, without shelter, water, food, or medicines. File photo: Armed herdsmen in neighbouring Chad