Minawi calls to ease tensions between East Darfur farmers and herders

The Regional Governor of Darfur, Minni Arko Minawi, has called for the traditional migration tracks of herders to be reopened speedily, and stressed reconciliation and tolerance among all components, in order to stabilise and expand agriculture in East Darfur.

Speaking during a visit to the East Darfur capital Ed Daein today, Minawi said that he has no quarrel with those who did not previously engage in conflict with the armed movements. He was referring to the supporters of former East Darfur governor Anas Omar, a prominent member of the now outlawed National Congress Party of the deposed Al Bashir regime, who was known for his brutality against rebel fighters.

In an address during his visit, Minawi called on leaders in El Daein to regulate relations between farmers and herders, properly demarcate paths and farms, and expand agriculture, “Which will require reconciliation and tolerance among all components”.

He also called on leaders to working together for the stability of the greater Darfur region, saying that “refusing dialogue amounts to exclusion and leads to war”. He pointed out that plans being carried out in the camps in El Daein does not deprive them of the status of IDP camps.

Ahead of Minawi’s arrival, the Executive Director of Yassin Locality, Zakariya Haroun, said in a statement to the official Sudan News Agency (SUNA) that “the governor’s visit is an important one, and will bring great gains to the citizens in East Darfur”.

He called on Minawi to strengthen the pillars of security and stability and to enact strict laws to combat all forms of security breaches. He also asked for attention to the service and development projects and the rebuilding and rehabilitation of the villages destroyed by war.