Killing of cattle owner leads to tension in East Darfur

Gunmen killed a Rizeigat cattle owner in Abu Jabra, East Darfur and stole 70 cows on Monday. As a result, the situation between the Rizeigat and the Ma’alia tribes in the area has become very tense. Speaking to Radio Dabanga, a resident of Adila reported that later on Monday a Rizeigat “rescue team” tracked the thieves until they arrived at the area of the Ma’alia tribe. The Rizeigat in the area thereupon accused the Ma’alia of the murder. The incident led to the gathering of large groups of Rizeigat and Ma‘alia fighters in the areas of Abu Jabra town, Abu Karinka, Bakhit, and Adila town. The source predicted that the ensuing tense situation may explode “at any time”, and called on the East Darfur state authorities to intervene “as soon as possible” to contain the situation. File photo: Cattle at the market of Foro Baranga, West Darfur (Albert González Farran/Unamid) Related: East Darfur Rizeigat-Ma’alia clash investigation concluded (19 February 2014)Ma’alia, Hamar tribes unrest after murder in East Darfur (7 February 2014)Six dead as Ma’alia, Rizeigat clash over sheep in East Darfur (27 January 2014)