Launch of Darfur initiative against tribal violence

The governor of Central Darfur, Dr Yousif Tibin has revealed that the death toll as a result of the clashes earlier this year between the Salamat and Misseriya tribes has risen to more than 500 people. He stressed that the conflict between the two tribes has led to the displacement of large numbers of people within the region and to neighbouring countries, and demanded from the security services, police, and judicial apparatus to establish the rule of law and prevent the spread of weapons, so that the displaced can peacefully return to their homes. Delegations of the Misseriya and Salamat tribes signed a peace accord in early July in Zalingei, capital of Central Darfur, following a month-long ajaweed reconciliation conference aimed at ending months of violence between the tribesmen. In the meantime, a popular initiative against tribal violence and conflicts has been launched in Nyala, the capital of South Darfur, calling people to renounce tribal conflicts and unite, since civil war and the use of weapons are not the means to resolve conflicts. The initiative calls for dialogue, recognition of all local cultures, and respect for the customs and traditions of each group living in the state. File photo by Albert González Farran/ Unamid Related: Tribes sign accord for peace, reconstruction and development in Central Darfur (3 July 2013)