Global General

52 civilians killed in renewed tribal clashes in Darfur

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-04-21 16:48

KHARTOUM - Fifty-two civilians have been killed and 55 others wounded in renewed tribal clashes in Sudan's South Darfur State, Khartoum media reported Wednesday.

"Violent clashes broke out Tuesday between Rizeigat and al-Sada tribes at various areas, some 61 kilometers north of Nyala, the capital city of South Darfur State," Khartoum's Al Ahdath daily reported.

The clashes, which involved heavy weapons and lasted for more than five hours, resulted in the killing of 40 members of al-Sada tribe and 12 members of Rizeigat tribe, according to the newspaper.

In the meantime, Khartoum's Al Ray Al A'm daily quoted commissioner of Wohda in South Darfur State as saying that two security committees of the state and Wohda are present at the sites and that the situation has been under control.

He said that a committee has been formed to calm the tension between the two sides and tackle the root-causes of the problem, according to the newspaper.

He attributed the causes of the problem to the robbery operations and that some criminals seek protection from the tribes after committing crimes.

The western Sudanese region witnesses repeated tribal confrontations due to several reasons including banditry activities and disputes over pastures, besides spread of vengeance among the tribes.