Tribal conflict leaves many dead ahead of El Daein conference

Fighting between the Rezeigat and Messeriya tribes increase tensions ahead of the El Daein conference in East Darfur. A conflict between the two tribes erupted in the border town of Abu Bashar (Abu Jabra) between South Kordofan and East Darfur on Tuesday. Both sides make conflicting claims concerning the cause and the number of deaths resulting from the clash.

Musa Mohamed Al Rahema, a prominent member of the Messeriya tribe, told Radio Dabanga the clashes have left more than 30 dead and 80 injured on both sides. He specified that 24 Messeriya tribe members were killed and 44 injured during the recent clashes. Musa Mohamed stated that the clashes were triggered when gunmen from Rezeiget killed three (3) of their men in the town of Abu Bashar.

In a conflicting report, Mohammed Isa Aliyu, head of the Rezeigat tribal council, told Radio Dabanga that the clashes left a total of 26 dead and 47 injured, He stated that 16 Rezeigat members were killed and 10 injured. He claims the incident was triggered by a dispute over blood money, also known as “diya”. He adds that the root cause of the conflict lies in the fact that no peaceful resolution has been implemented between the two tribes thusfar.

The El Daein conference, to be held on Wednesday, aims to introduce the resolutions of Abu Haraz conference which was held in Khartoum in 2009 and provide security and peace in the area.