Despite a period of relative calm following deadly tribal clashes in East Darfur, leaders of the two warring parties are accusing each other of violating their peace agreement signed in August.
Ma’alia leader Mohamed Ahmed Al Safi confirmed the situation in the state is currently calm, but accused the Rizeigat tribe of breaching the cessation of hostilities treaty. He specifically accused the Rizeigat Deputy (Nazir) Mahmoud Musa Ibrahim of inciting hostilities between the two tribes.
Ibrahim vehemently dismissed the allegations and reaffirmed his tribe’s commitment to adhere to the terms of the agreement, signed in El Taweisha, North Darfur. Instead, he accused the Ma’alia of not respecting its terms: “The agreement was violated by the Ma’alia when they raided our cattle and killed five Rizegat tribesmen.”
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj from east Darfur capital Ed Daein, Ibrahim disclosed that a national ad hoc investigation committee has completed its task with the civil administration and other stakeholders and departed to Khartoum.
Unamid says that “tensions between the Rizeigat and Ma’alia were reportedly triggered by unresolved disputes concerning access to land resources.