‘At least 100 dead, dozens injured’ as Salamat and Misseriya clash again in Central Darfur

At least 100 people have died and dozens were injured after renewed clashes between the Salamat and Misseriya tribes on Monday and Tuesday morning in Umm Dukhun locality, Central Darfur. The clashes occurred in spite of a ceasefire agreement signed by both sides, and the convening of a reconciliation conference in Zalingei on 3 June. According to several witnesses who spoke to Radio Dabanga on Tuesday, the renewed clashes began on Monday when the Salamat attacked a Misseriya village southeast of Kabar. “This resulted in a number of deaths and injuries, and the village was completely destroyed by fire.” The witnesses said that in response, on Tuesday, the Misseriya attacked Salamat camps in an area called Morlinga, where dozens were killed and injured, and a Land Cruiser was stolen.Witnesses added that on Tuesday morning, after the Misseriya stole the car, they drove to Umm Dukhun town and fired their weapons into air. This caused people who were visiting the town’s weekly market to flee. The market did not re-opened until at least 3pm. According to witnesses, the Misseriya militia robbed and beat people in the town. “This caused people from various tribes in the area to flee to Qabar, Bindisi, Jogoma West and West Bundisi city.” The citizens in Umm Dukhun appealed via Radio Dabanga to both tribes to stop the clashes, strive for peace and respect and implement the ceasefire.Tensions erupted in Umm Dukhun when a member of the Misseriya tribe allegedly tried to rob a Salamat man, who was not hurt. Hostilities broke out the next day when 4,000 men from opposing sides began battling each other. Clashes then spread north and to South Darfur. The UNHCR said that more than 50,000 people fled to Chad as a result. Human Rights Watch and Radio Dabanga both indicated, based on witnesses’ accounts, the participation of Ali Kushayb, a suspected war criminal wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC), in the same battles.Kushayb, a member of the South Darfuri Al Taaysha tribe, fought alongside the Misseriya against the Salamat in Central and South Darfur.File photo Related: Fear of tribal clashes closes weekly market in Bindisi, Central Darfur (6 June 2013)Sudan allowed its forces to attack civilians in Darfur tribal battles: HRW (3 June 2013) Misseriya and Salamat peace parley begins in Zalingei, Central Darfur (3 June 2013) Police prevent market looting after tribal killing in Central Darfur (3 June 2013) Misseriya torch Salamat neighbourhood in Umm Dukhun, Central Darfur (29 May 2013) ‘Incidental’ Central Darfur tribal clashes ‘no threat to peace process’ (28 May 2013) New tribal clashes scuttle Central Darfur reconciliation hopes (27 May 2013)