North Darfur gold mine pit collapses allegedly killing dozens

One of the wells of the Jebel ‘Amer gold mine has collapsed on Monday in North Darfur. Althought different sources are making conflicting claims concerning the exact amount of casualties resulting of the collapse, several witnesses put the death toll over 100.However, the commissioner of Al Sareif Beni Hussein locality, Haroun Hussein Jame affirmed that 53 people are “missing”, noting that precise figures are still unknown as “search missions are on-going”.The well, he disclosed, is 40 meters-deep and rescue workers had not yet reached its bottom by Tuesday evening.Meanwhile, onlookers said the government had not yet sent equipment to rescue the victims caught inside the rubble until Tuesday, claiming the search was being carried out manually and with shuffles. Jebel ‘Amer, in Al Sareif Beni Hussein locality, was the source of a deadly conflict between the Abbala and Beni Hussein tribes in January who fought over its control. Over 100,000 people were displaced as a result, the UN says. Cessation of hostilities Separately, Commissioner Jame disclosed that 15 Abbala and Beni Hussein leaders signed a document agreeing to cease hostilities on Monday afternoon following a meeting the day before. The ceremony took place in Um Kitoro, west of Al Seraif Beni Hussein city. This is not the first time leaders of both tribes sign such an accord. However, contrary to a larger, previous agreement that also included state authorities from West and Central Darfur, this treaty was signed on a local level, he explained. Jame said the document stipulates that all kinds of hostilities between the Abbala and Beni Hussein must be halted. In addition, the two tribes were encouraged to promote visits to each other’s territories to restore the local social fabric. This, the commissioner said, will hopefully restore security and stability in the area and people can return to their normal lives. Last Sunday, Abbala tribesmen threatened to invade Al Seraif Beni Hussein city if Beni Hussein elements did not return 30 camels they had allegedly stolen.File photoRelated:Abbala militias threaten to invade Al Seraif Beni Hussein (28 April 2013)15,000 still working at Darfur gold mine despite ban (11 April 2013)