Arab and Zaghawa leaders sign peace deal in West Darfur

Leaders of the Arab and Zaghawa tribes signed a reconciliation accord in El Geneina, capital of West Darfur, on Thursday.

Clan members of the two border tribes, whose homeland lies in Keirai area in Chad’s Wadi Fera state, clashed in West Darfur on 1 November.

Witnesses told Radio Dabanga at the time that a gang of bandits crossed the border into Chad, where they allegedly indulged in looting and robbery.

An armed party pursued them as they fled back into West Darfur. They intercepted them in Jebel Moon locality. A fierce clash ensued, in which a number of bandits were reportedly killed. Three of the Chad pursuit team were killed.

In his address to the tribal leaders after the signing ceremony, West Darfur Governor Fadlelmawla El Huja said that the authorities of West Darfur and Wadi Fera will guarantee the implementation of the reconciliation agreement.

“Blood money for the 17 slain tribesmen will be paid and the stolen items will be returned within two weeks,” he said.

The Governor of Wadi Fera, Mohamed Delio Tangel confirmed “the two countries’ plans to complete security and stability and set up development projects in the villages in the border areas”.