Arab leader: tribalism in Kutum not the solution

Ahmed Adam Sahnoun, a prominent Arab tribe leader from Kutum locality, North Darfur, stated in an interview to Radio Dabanga that violence in Darfur has reached its record. He called on residents from El-Waha and Kutum localities to tolerate each other, to eradicate tribalism references and not to be guided by rumors. The full interview will be aired on Tuesday, 11 September. Sahnoun added that people should not try achieving their goals through the use of weapons. He called on all parties concerned with Darfur to work towards achieving sustainable peace, security and stability in the region. Sahnoun also suggested that a government committee tours villages in Darfur, including nomads’ areas, to remove the hatred from people and repair the social fabric. Ahmed Adam Sahnoun asked that Brigadier Mohammad Kamal Mohamed Nur enforces the law equally and neutrally among residents from both Kutum and El-Waha localities. Brigadier Nur is the current administrative and executive supervisor of both localities. In addition, Sahnoun requested that perpetrators are brought to justice. During the interview, Sahnoun suggested that the recent looting and killings in Kutum, and in the Kassab and Fato Borno camps, are carried out by outlaws acting individually. He said these outlaws are searching for money in illegal ways and he denied the involvement of the Sudanese Central Reserve Forces (Abu Tira) in these events. Lastly, Sahnoun stated that removing Kutum as the capital of El-Waha locality, as proposed by Kutum residents to the North Darfur Governor, is not the solution to end the violence. Sahnoun believes the issue surrounding the capital of El-Waha locality is political and not social. He suggested that the solution for the current problems is that residents from both localities try to co-exist in harmony. Related content: Ongoing looting in Kutum (9 September 2012)