Darfur farmers threatened by armed herdsmen grazing livestock

Farmers fled their farmlands and their homes in the area of Abga Rajil, 4km south of El Salam camp, as well as nearby villages in South Darfur, due to clashes between farmers and herdsmen on Sunday. Speaking to Radio Dabanga, a farmer reported that he and other farmers from Abga Rajil came into conflict with armed herdsmen, who tried to release their camels and cattle on the farmlands by force of arms. “Both parties made use of weapons. The situation has become very tense now.” The farmer appealed to the authorities to intervene “as soon as possible” in order to contain the situation. Tawila A sheikh of Tawila camp for the displaced in North Darfur reported to Radio Dabanga that “these days“, the farmers of Tawila are confronted by armed herders grazing camels and cattle by force of arms on their farmlands. The herdsmen threaten to beat, whip and kill them if they protest. He demanded the authorities to intervene to protect them so that they will be able to finish their harvesting. File photo Related:Militiamen kill three, rape woman, and herdsmen release cattle on farmlands in West Darfur (27 November 2013)Clashes between herders and farmers in North Darfur (22 November 2013)One farmer dead, four injured in assaults by herdsmen in West and Central Darfur (20 November 2013)Darfur farmers demand protection against herdsmen (12 November 2013)