‘Calm returns’ to Umm Dukhun, Central Darfur, as leaders parley

Calm has returned to the locality of Umm Dukhun, Central Darfur, which witnessed renewed clashes between Salamat and Misseriya tribesmen on Monday and Tuesday morning that claimed at least 100 lives from both sides. Several witnesses have told Radio Dabanga from the field that the shooting has stopped, as well as the violence. Crowds have dispersed, and the locality has been free of clashes since Tuesday evening. The calm continued through the day on Wednesday. The Reconciliation Committee (ajaweed) that began talks in State capital Zalingei on 2 June delivered a draft agreement for the delegations of the Misseriya and Salamat to examine for approval and signature. The conference raises hopes of bringing an end to tribal clashes that have left dozens dead on each side, displaced tens of thousands, and seen many homes torched and destroyed.Speaking to Radio Dabanga from Zalingei, Abdullah Mohamed Hamid Ajeeb, spokesman for the Salamat delegation at the conference, said on Wednesday evening that the two sides have received a draft agreement containing all the points submitted/presented by the parties to the committee. He confirmed that should both sides agree to it, then they are just steps away from reaching a final agreement on reconciliation.Ajeeb appealed to both parties to cease hostilities, especially because the agricultural season is approaching and people have to be able to grow crops.Omda Yousef Ishaaq Al Nour, spokesman for the Misseriya stressed that his tribe’s delegation came to the negotiations with open hearts and minds and in good faith to achieve peace.In a speech at the opening of the conference, he said that he has full authority from the Misseriya people to reach an agreement. He confirmed to Radio Dabanga that the Misseriya promised the reconciliation committee that they will cooperate with them to the maximum extent to get to peace.The omda also appealed to both sides to cease hostilities. “Ask God to reconcile the parties in order to stop the bloodshed and instil tranquillity in the hearts of the weak, the neighbouring tribes, and everyone around us, so that agriculture can thrive this season.” Tensions in Umm Dukhun began to rise after a member of the Misseriya tribe allegedly tried to shoot and rob a Salamat man, who was not hurt. Hostilities erupted the next day on 4 April when 4,000 men of both sides began battling each other. Clashes then spread north, as well as to South Darfur, where the Al Taaysha tribe allegedly provided support to the Misseriya. The UNHCR has said that as result of the tribal battles 50,000 people sought refuge in Chad within a short period of time, terming it the “largest influx of refugees from Sudan into Chad since 2005”. File photo: Misseriya women listen to Radio Dabanga Related: ‘At least 100 dead, dozens injured’ as Salamat and Misseriya clash again in Central Darfur (11 June 2013) Misseriya and Salamat peace parley begins in Zalingei, Central Darfur (3 May 2013) Misseriya torch Salamat neighbourhood in Umm Dukhun, Central Darfur (29 May 2013)