Fighting between the Rizeigat and Misseriya tribes increased tensions ahead of the El Daein conference in East Darfur. A conflict between the two tribes erupted in the border town of Abu Bashar (Abu Jabra) between South Kordofan and East Darfur on Tuesday. Both sides make conflicting claims concerning the cause and the number of deaths resulting from the clash.

Mohammed Isa Aliyu, head of the Rezeigat tribal council, told Radio Tamazuj that the clashes left a total of 26 dead and 47 injured. He reported that 16 Rezeigat members were killed and 10 injured. He claims the incident was triggered by a dispute over blood money, also known as “diya”. He adds that the root cause of the conflict lies in the fact that no peaceful resolution has been implemented between the two tribes thus far.

Meanwhile, Muhammad Ali Beseiri a leading figure in the Misseriya tribe, warned of the seriousness of the ongoing conflict. He added that more than 30 tribe members lost their lives and 44 were wounded during the conflict on Tuesday. The wounded have been taken to Muglad hospital to receive medical attention. Beseiri claims the conflict started with the Khartoum government arming both sides with the intention of maintaning power in the region.

He called on both sides to listen to the logic of reason and put a halt to the armed conflict. Beseiri also urged the chief of Darfur and South Kordofan to help the Rizeigat and Misseriya tribes to resolve the ongoing conflict.

The El Daein conference, to be held on Wednesday, aims to introduce the resolutions of Abu Haraz conference which was held in Khartoum in 2009 and provide security and peace in the area.