Rizeigat-Ma’alia clashes leave 41 dead, 51 injured in East Darfur

The total toll of dead and injured during the clashes on Wednesday, between the Rizeigat and Ma’alia tribes in the area of Bakhit, Abu Karinka locality, East Darfur, has risen to 92.  The Chairman of the Shura council of the Ma’alia tribe, Murdas Juma, informed Radio Dabanga that of the Ma’alia 27 have been killed and 24 injured. The Secretary General of the government of East Darfur state, Ahmed Mohamed Doud, confirmed 14 deaths among the Rizeigat and 27 injured. Various sources told Radio Dabanga that Thursday witnessed a complete ceasefire between the warring parties. They also reported about concentrations of Rizeigat in the areas of El Khamsaat, about 30km southeast of Ed Daein, Kileikil Abu Salama and Abu Jabra, and concentrations of Ma’alia in the areas of Bakhit, Umm Rakuba, and south of Adila. The Secretary General of the government of East Darfur state, however, described the current situation as “quiet and safe” and reported that a committee of native administration members is on the way to the conflict areas to dispatch the concentrations of armed tribesmen, and another committee, consisting of state government representatives has been formed to promote the cessation of hostilities. File photo (UN Photo) Related:Renewed Rizeigat-Ma’alia clashes in East Darfur (18 September 2013) East Darfur ‘still affected by tribal clashes’ (16 September 2013) Kidnap of Ma’alia group calls halt to East Darfur treaty (19 August 2013)