The mediation committee of the Ma'aliya and Rizeigat reconciliation conference announced the suspension of the conference for an indefinite period, following fruitless negotiations.

The committee had reported to the governments of West Kordofan and East Darfur that the tribes failed to bridge the gap in viewpoints.

The chairman of the committee, Ismail Yusuf, said in a press statement on Thursday that the committee “failed to bring the tribes' views together” despite involvement of traditional and governmental leaders.

However, he expressed optimism about the next round of the reconciliation conference, the venue of which is yet to be determined.

Clashes between the two tribes erupted in East Darfur on Wednesday even in the midst of the ongoing talks, killing seven and wounding several others. The tribes have fought many battles over the years that claimed the lives of hundreds of people and the wounding of many others.

The Second Vice President of Sudan, Hasabo Mohamed Abdul Rahman, who belongs to the Rizeigat tribe, has been participating in the conference.

Reporting by Radio Dabanga

File photo: A woman of the Rizeigat tribe dances and sings at the Ed Daein airport (UNAMID)