New Beni Hussein – Abbala violence in North Darfur

Renewed violent clashes between Abbala and Beni Hussein tribes in North Darfur have reportedly left at least 37 Beni Hussein dead or wounded, according to a spokesman for the tribe. He could not say how many Abbala were killed or injured.The two tribes fought violently earlier this year over control of the Jebel ‘Amer gold mine in Al Sareif Beni Hussein locality, leaving about 500 people dead and more than 100,000 displaced, according to UN estimates. The Commissioner of Al Sareif Beni Hussein locality, Haroun Hussein Jame, has announced the completion of preparations for a reconciliation conference between the warring tribes. The Commissioner told Radio Dabanga that these clashes were a violation of an armistice agreement that was signed on Friday between the tribes. Jame said that the latest clash was “incidental”, and stressed that a mechanism now operates to contain the crisis and avoid renewed war. He told Radio Dabanga that both parties are now in constant contact and meetings and negotiations are ongoing. He appealed to the tribesmen via Radio Dabanga “to exercise restraint, patience, and commitment to the truce”. Jane said that violence and anger will achieve nothing. “To save property and lives, we need to stay at the negotiating table”. Multiple witnesses complained to Radio Dabanga that the renewed clashes resulted in a suspension of the secure goods and petrol convoys between Saraf Omra and El Sareif Beni Hussein from Friday until Sunday, which has caused shortages. File photo: Displaced women in Al Sareif (Sojoud El Garrai/Unamid) Related: Preparations complete for Beni Hussein, Abbala tribe summit in North Darfur (29 May 2013) Report: North Darfur gold mine conflicts not inter-tribal; Sudan regime behind them(14 May 2013)