W. Darfur displaced ‘unable’ to farm due to presence of militias

Displaced living in Mornei, West Darfur, are complaining about their inability to cultivate their winter crops outside the camp because of the presence of pro-government militias stationed outside the area.   A camp leader told Radio Dabanga on Monday the militiamen have been based outside Mornei since the tribal clashes between the Abbala and Beni Hussein broke out in Jebel ‘Amer, North Darfur on 5 January. He said there is virtually no life outside the camp and appealed to government authorities and UNAMID to send patrols to the area so that displaced can cultivate their crops and collect firewood. South Darfur Meanwhile, farmers from villages in Kass locality, South Darfur, told Radio Dabanga that herders armed by the government are continually forcing their cattle on their lands in addition to carrying out attacks against them. The most targeted villages are Dirso, Kirinde, and Kassola, south of Kass locality, they said, stressing the police have been informed about the incidents.   One of the farmers said that the same group of herders attacked a vehicle transporting tomatoes from Kirinde to Nyala on Sunday. The gunmen forced the driver and the passengers off their vehicle, made them spread the tomatoes on the ground and beat them with rifle butts and whips. The passengers were severely injured and the herders forced their livestock to eat the tomatoes. Sources revealed these areas are witnessing a series of fierce attacks by herders lately and they claim to have sent a delegation to the city of Kass to meet with the commissioner and with the police. The delegation informed the authorities about the violations and abuses they have been suffering and about the losses and destruction caused by cattle herders in the farms. However, they recounted, the police “did not pay any attention to their complaints” and sent them back to their villages.Radio Dabanga file photo