The governor of Sudan’s East Darfur State Anes Omer said the state government is holding some traditional leaders of the Rizeigat and Ma’alia tribes including locals accused of causing panic among civilians.

On Saturday, security agents arrested Rizeigat Paramount Chief Mahmoud Musa Madibo and Ma’alia Chief Mohammed Ahmed Al-Safi over the renewed inter-communal clashes last week.

Governor Omar said in a press statement that the detainees are held in Nyala and Port Sudan for purposes of stopping the bloodshed as well as maintaining security of the country.

Omar said the traditional leaders have failed to contain the clashes between the Ma’alia and the Rizeigat tribes over cattle raids, leading to the deployment of more forces along the border to maintain security.

He further said the deployed forces are mandated to disarm civilians and arrest criminals who are causing insecurity in the area, stressing that those caught or suspected to be behind the insecurity will face the law.

The governor called for the empowerment of traditional leaders to ensure that they carry out their roles of maintaining law and order among their communities. He claimed that the situation is now stable.