Misseriya release Salamat deputy in Central Darfur

A deputy of the Salamat tribe allegedly abducted by Misseriya elements was released in Central Darfur on Tuesday, one day after he was captured. The other seven people taken with him remain in captivity. Salamat deputy Haj Osman Mohamed Adam Al Dwaid had been the target of attacks by Misseriya two times in the last week in Umm Dukhun. His house has been completely destroyed, sources said.Separetly, Umm Dukhun traders announced on Tuesday they are shutting down their shops for an indefinite period of time to protest against robberies and plundering carried out by pro-government militias. A source told Radio Dabanga stores will be reopened when “authorities assure merchants are safe”. He disclosed that militias on Monday looted more than 20 shops in front of the security services, police officers and members of the army. Earlier this month, Umm Dukhun’s Chamber of Commerce claimed to be discontent about fees enforced by “Misseriya militias” on shop owners. Tribal clashes broke out earlier this month in Umm Dukhun when a Misseriya tribesman allegedly tried looting and opening fire on a Salamat man, who was not hurt. Violent hostilities erupted the next day when 4,000 men of both sides began battling each other. In the meantime, fighting has spread north and to South Darfur. Part of an unsuccessful ceasefire treaty signed by leaders of the two warring tribes three weeks ago stipulated that the Salamat and Misseriya would hold a reconciliation conference on 30 April.At least 50,000 people have fled Sudan to Chad due to tribal fighting in Central Darfur in the last month. UNHCR says this is the largest influx of people from Darfur to Chad since 2005.File photoRelated:Misseriya ‘forcing’ Central Darfur shop owners to pay fees (17 April 2013)2nd attack on Salamat leader ‘by Misseriya’ this week in Darfur (29 April 2013)