Um Dafuq, October 23 (Darfur24)
Tensions along the Sudan–Central African Republic (CAR) border have trapped large numbers of livestock in Um Dafuq locality, South Darfur State, after herders were prevented from crossing into CAR pastures following recent intercommunal violence between border tribes.
Hamid al-Tahir, a herder from the area, told Darfur24 that the security situation has forced them to remain inside Sudanese territory, leading to severe overcrowding of livestock and shortages of pasture and water. He noted that in previous years, herders had routinely taken their animals to grazing lands across the border during the summer season.
According to al-Tahir, the region’s native administration has advised herders to stay put until the outcome of a peace conference scheduled to take place later this week in the Central African town of Um Dafuq becomes clear.
A mediation committee from Um Dukhun locality in South Darfur had earlier announced the planned conference to reconcile warring border tribes in CAR. However, the meeting has been postponed several times to allow for further preparations, according to committee officials.
Local sources told Darfur24 that a delegation from the Ta’aisha tribe has already arrived in the Sudanese town of Um Dafuq, while representatives of other tribes are in the Central African side of the town, where the conference will be held in the presence of local authorities, UN peacekeeping forces, and Russian military units stationed in the area.