Farmers in Darfur attacked by Arab herdsmen

A number of farmers in Sirba, western Darfur, in the Dinda, Ardeba and Goseget areas, took severe beatings, underwent torture and humiliation by armed groups, last week, witnesses told Radio Dabanga. The farmers were beaten by Arab herders, who used rifles, sticks and whips, when the farmers went to work at their farms. A number of the wounded farmes had to be transported to Geneina hospital, for treatment. The farmers told how these armed groups wanted to expel them, threatening them with death upon return. The armed groups claim the lands for themselves. Witnesses told Radio Dabanga, that they had raised the issue with Sirba Commissioner Abdullah Hamdan, but that he had not taken any actions. These witnesses appeal to the authorities of West Darfur to come up with a solution.

In the Martegelo, Kasan and Deghin Kuarero areas, in the locality of Nertiti, a number of farmers, similarly, experienced the aggression of armed militias, preventing them from their farming work, a farmer told Radio Dabanga. The militias gave them two options. Working the land and sharing the crop 50-50 with the militia, and having the full protection of the militias, was one option. Else, the militias would prevent the farmers to do their work. Witnesses told Radio Dabanga that when they tried to file a complaint, guards and officials did not let them.