Two days of tribal violence in Sudan’s long-troubled Darfur region killed at least five people, tribal leaders and a rights group said Friday.
The violence between African Masalit tribesmen and Arab shepherds in West Darfur erupted Thursday after two armed men shot a merchant in a remote area, leaders from both groups said.
In a statement, Masalit tribesmen accused Arab militia of being behind the killing. The slaying sparked a series of targeted attacks that killed at least four more people, the tribal leaders and the rights group both said.
Five victims were later identified by the Darfur Bar Association, a Sudanese legal group focusing on human rights in the western region. The group called on both sides to de-escalate tensions.
The violence comes as wrangling cross-party talks continue in Khartoum over how the country will usher in a civilian government following 17 months of military rule.