South Darfur releases 41 tribesmen in investigations

The Governor of South Darfur announced that a number of tribesmen of the Fellata and Salamat tribes will be standing trial for their suspected involvement in provoking tribal clashes in February. 41 tribesmen have been released after interrogations.

Governor Adam El Faki did not specify their number when he made his announcement in Nyala on Friday.

Speaking to Radio Dabanga on Friday, the Commissioner of Nyala, Ahmed Abdel Majid said that according to the commission of inquiry, there is proof that several militant omdas and tribesmen from both tribes are involved in provoking the deadly clashes in Buram locality on 14 February.

There were 25 dead and wounded, according to the state. A cattle theft southwest of Gireida in the beginning of this month reportedly caused the tensions.

El Faki further released 23 Fellata and 18 Salamat tribesmen on Friday. The Governor reported that two suspects are still being sought by the police, and vowed to catch them soon to bring them to justice.

Early in March, security forces forcefully disarmed members of the Salamat and Fellata tribes in Tullus and Buram localities, South Darfur. Most weapons were seized from cattle herders. A total of 84 tribesmen detained under the South Darfur emergency measures were transferred from Nyala to Port Sudan.

Correction 04-04-2016: The title of this article previously stated that 31 tribesmen were released. This should be 41.