Tensions between two feuding sections of the nomadic Arab Misseriya tribe could lead to more fighting in South Kordofan. A number of citizens in the Balila area of South Kordofan warned of a possible confrontation between the Awlad Heiban and Awlad Surur sections of the tribe. The warning comes after crowds of Awlad Heiban gathered on the eastern migration route, which both groups are using for the return trip southward.

According to a youth in the area who preferred to withhold his name, large groups of herders have gathered on the eastern route east of Balila, specifically in the areas Karjaka, Um Hakura, Abu Jazein and Al Fardus. The observer said the gatherings were possibly the prelude to armed confrontations between the two sides. He pointed out that the government had failed to organized a peace conference ahead of the seasonal return migration.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Sunday, the source explained that government forces are focused on protecting oil fields and have not intervened. He said that keeping the tribes apart will be difficult because they migrate south of the border where Sudanese forces have no jurisdiction, but he called for the government to deploy more forces from the 22^nd Division to separate the two parties during the return journey toward the Bahr El Arab.

The youth figure also called on the government to organize a reconciliation conference and to chart migration routes for both sections to ensure that the renewed frictions do not escalate into conflict as it did last year.