Tribal tensions close vital road in North Darfur

Tensions between the Abbala and Beni Hussein tribes have closed the vital road link between Saraf Omra and Al Sareif Beni Hussein localities in North Darfur. As previously reported by Radio Dabanga, renewed clashes between the tribes resulted in a suspension of the secure goods and petrol convoys between Saraf Omra and Al Sareif Beni Hussein over the weekend, which has caused shortages. The closure of the road has also isolated the areas from the rest of Darfur. According to witnesses from Saraf Omra city, authorities decided to close the market entirely on Monday, as the tensions prompted militiamen to enter the city and attempt to loot the market, as well as rob passers-by of mobile phones and money. Multiple witnesses told Radio Dabanga that the city of Al Sareif Beni Hussein “is witnessing a state of anticipation and caution”. Civilians are staying indoors to avoid groups of militants – this despite the arrival of a senior government delegation headed by the Deputy Governor of North Darfur Fateh Abdul Aziz and the President of the Council of States team Adam Hamid Musa to assess on situation. They held a meeting on Sunday on the need to address the conflict and create peace between the tribes, and contain the latest crisis, which broke out on Friday. The two tribes fought violently earlier this year over control of the Jebel ‘Amer gold mine in Al Sareif Beni Hussein locality, leaving about 500 people dead. The UN estimates that more than 100,000 people were displaced. Speaking to Radio Dabanga, Al Sareif Commissioner, Haroun Hussein Jame, confirmed that the priority now is to ease the tensions that broke out last week and not allow them to escalate into a full-scale tribal war. “For this purpose, we are meeting with delegations from both sides,” he said, adding: “It is in nobody’s interests for the fighting to continue.” File photo Related: New Beni Hussein – Abbala violence in North Darfur (23 June 2013)Preparations complete for Beni Hussein, Abbala tribe summit in North Darfur (29 May 2013)Report: North Darfur gold mine conflicts not inter-tribal; Sudan regime behind them (14 May 2013)