Misseriya Humr chief passes away in Khartoum

The chief of the Misseriya Humr, the principle tribe of Western Kordofan, passed away on Sunday in Khartoum. He will be buried in Muglad town. Nazir Ali Nimir Ali Al-Jula was a “patriotic leader,” according to a statement of the national presidency quoted by the official Sudan News Agency. He “contributed remarkably to the peaceful co-existence march in South Kordofan and the native administration work in the country.” Muglad is the largest permanent settlement of the Misseriya Humr, who migrate seasonally southward to territories inhabited by Dinka Ngok in the oil-rich region of Abyei. The area is set to hold a referendum in 2011 in accordance with the terms of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, although few preparations for the vote have so far been made. Many Misseriya Humr leaders have insisted on their right to vote in the referendum, a demand opposed by the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement.

Additional details, added 2 November 2010:

The chief was 90 years old when he passed away. He had been taken last Thursday to Al Faisal Hospital. His body was taken by private jet to his hometown Muglad. He was buried there with the many of the city’s residents in attendance. 

Al Jula became Nazir of the Misseriya in 1982, succeeding his brother the late Nazir Babu Nimr. He himself was succeeded in 1995 by his brother’s son the Amir Mukhtar Babu Nimr. He played important roles in the native administration of the country and helped to resolve many issues between tribes.