The Rizeigat ‘Savannah’ militia has reportedly demanded a ransom of SDG150,000 ($34,000) for the release of 42 members of the Ma’alia tribe that were kidnapped in East Darfur on Saturday.

As reported by Radio Dabanga on Monday, the group, claimed to consist mainly of women, children, and elderly members of the Ma’alia tribe, was kidnapped on the road from Ed Daein to Abu Karinka.

Most of the victims had apparently been stranded in Ed Daein as a result of the recent clashes between the tribes. The lull in tribal hostilities was expected to be an opportunity for them to return home, so they were being escorted to Abu Karinka by a contingent of the Sudanese army as well as a certified Commissioner.

One of the leaders of the Ma’alia tribe who asked to remain anonymous for security reasons, told Radio Dabanga on Tuesday that they have received a demand from the Savannah militia, but “refuse to pay the ransom due to the failure of Commissioner Ali Adam on Ed Daein, Commissioner Abdurahman Aisha of Assalaya locality, Commissioner Osman Gissin of Abu Karinka locality, and the escort of Sudanese regular troops, Central Reserve Forces and police to protect them”.

As reported by Radio Dabanga on Monday, this incident has called a halt to mediation efforts between the tribes.

According to Unamid: “Tensions between the Rizeigat and Ma’alia were triggered earlier this month by unresolved disputes concerning access to land resources."

At a reconciliation conference in Al Fula, capital of West Kordofan, mediator Ahmed Mohamed Ali said that “delegations of 15 leaders from each tribe have agreed to enter into a truce to stop the war and hostilities.” The official signing was scheduled for Sunday.

File photo