West Darfur dissolves native administrations

In West Darfur, several native administrations have been dissolved by the state government and await new appointments.

West Darfur Governor Fadlelmowla El Haja issued the decision to dissolve the native administrations in the second, third and fourth levels (Amir, Firsha, and Omda and Sheikh) and select replacements on Monday. He directed the competent authorities to take immediately implement this.

El Haja spoke at a news conference in El Geneina. He said that the decision “has as goal in a scientific way to help the state in managing the affairs of society. The process of re-codification takes into account the customs and traditions in the selection of a native administration management.”

He expected significant amendments in the structure, by the selection of the next native administration, and especially in the second and third levels. “We will prepare a study to appoint new native administrations in West Darfur state.”

The decision of the governor to dissolve the native administrations did not include the Sultan of Dar Masalit and Sultan of Dar Gmir.

Nomad's issues

In addition, the state government issued a decision to attempt to resolve the issues faced by the nomads whom are headed by Masar Abdelrahman Aseel and the members of a number of Arab tribal leaders. They are known to face problems north of West Darfur and raise complaints to the governor on a regular basis.

Problems for the nomadic groups are related to thefts in the Sudan-Chad border, the exchange of these stolen goods, and the non-arrests of robbers by the responsible security forces. People complained to the state on several occasions that the criminality has caused insecurity in the area.

Governor El Haja also announced yesterday that committees have been formed, of certain “influential personalities in the community”, to prevent friction between pastoralists and farmers and thereby protecting agriculture. West Darfur will continue to collect arms held by militiamen and civilians illegally, he added.