Fighting between two tribes in western Darfur over five days has left scores dead amid a complete absence of government forces.

Different witness accounts put the total number of dead as high as 163 in several different clashes.

Tensions began to rise in Umm Dukhun last Wednesday morning after a member of the Misseriya tribe allegedly tried looting and opening fire on a Salamat man, who was not hurt.

Hostilities erupted the next day in spite of an attempted mediation, which had aimed to prevent some 4,000 gunmen from battling each other.

By Monday the fighting had reportedly spread as far as Gerlia, Umm Sauri and Abugaradil.

Local sources on Monday said the Misseirya burned the administration building in Abugaradil, south of Umm Dukhun city and a Salamat stronghold. They added the entire village was looted.

Reporting by Radio Dabanga

Additional coverage:

80 more killed on 5th day of battles between Central Darfur tribes (8 April)

Tribal clashes in Central Darfur continue, 73 killed - source (8 April)

Tribal clashes resume in Central Darfur, at least 10 killed (5 April)