7,065 people flee tribal conflict in South Darfur, Sudan
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Sudan Tribune
Clashes between the Habbaniya and Rizeigat tribes have driven about 7,065 people to flee the locality of Al-Sunta, in South Darfur, according to the International Organization for Migration, a UN agency. Triggered on 8 November amid accusations of livestock theft, the fighting has killed dozens and set villages on fire, and the situation remains very tense.
Some 7,065 people have fled their homes following a conflict between the Habbaniya and Rizeigat tribes in the locality of Al-Sunta, in South Darfur, Sudan. This is what the International Organization for Migration (IOM), a UN agency, said in a statement published on Sunday. The displaced left the villages of Abiat and Al-Jourah, and their surroundings, on Friday and Saturday.
According to Sudan Tribune, clashes have pitted groups from the two tribes against each other since 8 November, amid accusations of livestock theft. They have killed dozens of people, and localities have been set on fire. The displaced have settled in other areas of the same locality, where the situation remains tense and highly volatile, according to the IOM.
Sudan Tribune fears the fighting could spread if Rapid Support Forces (RSF) fighters side with their communities. The Rizeigat and Habbaniya are among the main sources of recruits for this group, and its fighters have already taken part in tribal conflicts. This is the second clash between the two tribes in a few months: in August, violence had broken out in Dabbab, in the neighbouring locality of Al-Fardous.
Separately, the IOM reports 1,380 additional displaced people from the villages of Tarba, Chigeik Karo and Jaktora, in the locality of Oum Barrou, in North Darfur, due to the deterioration of security.
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