Sudanese committee concludes first inquiries into Rizeigat, Ma’aliya clashes

The committee tasked with the investigation into the clashes between the Rizeigat and Ma’aliya in Abu Karinka, East Darfur, in May, concluded the first phase of inquiries on Wednesday.

Following repeated cases of cattle rustling by both sides, fierce clashes erupted between Rizeigat and Ma’aliya tribesmen, north of Abu Karinka, in the early morning of 11 May.

Fighting also broke out in the town's northern neighbourhoods, where Rizeigat tribesmen reportedly shelled a number of houses. At least 100 people were killed, and about 24,000 families were reportedly displaced.

The Sudanese Minister of Justice, Mohamed Bushara Dosa, ordered the formation of a Central Investigation Committee, consisting of senior officials of the Justice, Defence, and Interior Ministries, the security apparatus, the Military Intelligence, and the Higher Federal Affairs Council.

The acting governor of East Darfur, Talha Madibbo, told Radio Dabanga on Thursday that the seven-member committee, headed by a judge, conducted investigations with members of the security committees of both Ed Daein and Abu Karinka localities for more than two weeks.

“They have spoken with the commander of Ed Daein garrison, the heads of the security apparatus and the police, the governor's Advisor for Security Affairs, and with the chieftain of the Rizeigat in the East Darfuri capital. 

“In Abu Karinka, they have conducted inquiries with the chief of the Ma’aliya, and members of the locality’s security committee, consisting of the army garrison commander and the heads of the security apparatus and the police,” he said.

The members of the Central Investigation Committee left Abu Karinka by helicopter to Nyala, capital of South Darfur, on Wednesday.