Herders’ livestock graze in ‘army-patrolled areas’

Farmers from several different localities in West and Central Darfur complained to Radio Dabanga that herders’ livestock graze at night in “army-patrolled areas”, on Tuesday, 11 December. In addition, farmers continued, armed herders enter farms by force at “day and night” to graze their cattle and camels. The livestock, they explained, “devoured almost all crops in the farms”. Several farmers assured that if anyone tries to resist the herders’ incursions, their faith will be either “being shot dead, or being severely lashed or beaten”.     According to different sources, farmers from the following localities have witnessed “fierce attacks” on their lands: Mornei, Sirba, Foro Baranga and El-Geneina, West Darfur; and Deleij and Bindissey in Central Darfur. Besides, farmers added, the following villages of Central Darfur have been particularly targeted: Wadi Deleij, Tosca, Wadi Kaja, Mirou, Roty and Azum. Lastly, farmers criticized authorities for not stopping the invasions, despite a decision made by the High Committee for Protecting the Agricultural Season to protect farms and not open them for early grazing. South Darfur At the same time, farmers from Kass locality, South Darfur, are also discontent about herders’ livestock grazing on their farms, causing them damage and “significant crops loss”, they told Radio Dabanga. According to a local source, herders have let their livestock graze for a whole week on farms located in Wadi Garaa, Jemmeiza, Tour and Njama. They have reportedly occupied an area of about 400 acres. Farmers described the intervention of authorities an “inadequate”, adding that herders “quickly come back” after guards left the site.  They demanded that authorities stop herders from grazing their livestock before the stipulated date for this activity. Radio Dabanga file photo Related: Several decisions for protection of agricultural season (11 November 2012)