Nyala, July 18 (Darfur24)
Farmers in Kabum locality, South Darfur, say renewed tribal fighting has disrupted this year’s farming season, forcing families to flee and abandon their fields at the start of the rains.
The latest violence erupted just days after the two rival tribes signed a peace agreement, with both sides accused of remobilizing their forces.
Issa Bishara, a farmer, told Darfur24 that he and other farmers had begun clearing their land before the fighting resumed.
“We fled to Adila locality, leaving our farms and seeds behind,” he said.
The clashes have displaced hundreds of families to Mukjar, Rahad Al-Bardi, Kabra, Zalingei, and Adila, where they are living in difficult humanitarian conditions.
Another displaced resident, Issa Hamed, warned that continued displacement could trigger a food crisis even if security improves.
“Kabum depends on rain-fed farming. If people cannot return to cultivate their land, famine is inevitable,” he said.
Displaced residents previously told Darfur24 they had received no assistance from local authorities or humanitarian organizations since fleeing the violence.
Residents and a military source affiliated with the Rapid Support Forces said Kabum is now largely deserted, with most women and children having fled. They said those remaining in the area are mainly armed fighters.
The sources added that entire villages in Kabum and neighboring Adila locality have been emptied by the fighting.