Rival tribal parties to meet before reconciliation conference, N. Darfur

The governor of North Darfur announced that a meeting preceding a Reconciliation Conference in light of the tribal clashes in North Darfur will be held in Saraf Omra on Tuesday afternoon, 15 January, Radio Dabanga has learned. Osman Kibir added that representatives of both rival parties, Abbala and Beni Hussein, will attend the summit. According to the governor, fighting between the adversary tribes has “completely stopped” in North Darfur and roads are “open and safe”. This is the “credit of the significant interference of the state”, he completed. Kibir pointed out that armed forces and regular troops made great efforts to secure roads and clear the localities of al-Sref Beni Hussein, Kabkabiya and Saraf Omra, reportedly affected by the clashes. The governor declared that the initial dispute between Abbala and Beni Hussein members acquired large proportions too quickly, which required an immediate intervention of the state and federal governments. Because of the clashes, many villages were abandoned and its residents are spread throughout the region, namely at the localities of Saraf Omra and Kabkabiya, in Ghara Zawiya and in al-Sref Beni Hussein city, Kibir outlined. Additionally, the governor stressed, the high number of injured that must be transferred to local hospitals means that big challenges are still ahead of everyone. Osman Kibir stated this will be the first time he acts as a third mediating party in a conflict.Photo: North Darfur Governor Osman Kibir (Radio Dabanga file)Related: Tribal clashes displace over 100.000 families to N. Darfur town (14 January 2013)