Nyala, March 19 (Darfur24)
At least five people were killed and others injured on Wednesday in clashes between two tribal groups in the town of Abu Ajoura in Al-Salam locality, of South Darfur State, according to eyewitnesses and local sources.
A medical source at Abu Ajoura Rural Hospital told Darfur24 that more than five bodies and several wounded had been received, though the exact toll has not yet been confirmed.
Mohammed Al-Amin, a witness, said the violence began Tuesday evening after a dispute in the town’s market between armed men over drug trade activities, resulting in the killing of one of the gunmen, identified as Ahmed Dabka.
He added that the incident prompted the victim’s relatives to mobilize and launch an attack on the town, triggering clashes that lasted more than five hours.
According to the witness, both sides used weapons in populated areas, leading to additional deaths and injuries among fighters and civilians.
Another eyewitness, Mustafa Babiker, said a Rapid Support Forces unit failed to contain the violence, noting that elders and community leaders from the Tarjam tribe later intervened and managed to broker a halt to the fighting, including the withdrawal of armed elements from the Bani Halba tribe from the town.
He added that members of the Bani Halba demanded that those accused of killing Ahmed Dabka be handed over to local authorities, warning of further escalation if this does not happen.
A police source in Al-Salam locality told Darfur24 that the market was closed and residents remained indoors amid heightened tensions, despite mediation efforts.
The source said police forces lack sufficient vehicles and weapons to contain such clashes, adding that dozens of armed men affiliated with the Rapid Support Forces from both tribes were involved in the fighting.
He also pointed to the proliferation of drug, pill, and weapons markets as a key driver of the violence, describing them as operating openly during the day and into the night.
The executive director of Al-Salam locality, Imran Obeidallah, declined to comment, while the Rapid Support Forces, which control the area, have not issued a statement.
Darfur continues to witness recurring tribal conflicts driven by armed robbery, land disputes, and tensions between herders and farmers. These clashes often result in casualties and are typically followed by reconciliation efforts, including recent agreements such as last year’s truce between the Bani Halba and Salamat tribes after deadly fighting in 2023.