Bilel, June 25 (Darfur24)
A conference aimed at securing the agricultural season in Bilel locality, South Darfur State, ended in disagreement after farmers opposed plans to impose monthly fees to finance security arrangements in agricultural areas.
Sources told Darfur24 that the conference brought together members of the native administration and farmers from Ashma, east of Bilel locality, to discuss measures aimed at protecting the agricultural season and reducing recurring conflicts between farmers and herders.
According to the sources, disagreements emerged after participants were asked to approve a monthly fee of 10,000 Sudanese pounds per farmer. The funds were intended to cover fuel costs for vehicles and machinery operated by the Rapid Support Forces, which are tasked with securing agricultural areas during the farming season.
A farmer who attended the meeting told Darfur24 that many farmers rejected the proposal, citing a lack of confidence in the forces responsible for protecting agricultural activities. He said some farmers accuse those forces of failing to prevent violations, looting, and encroachments on farmland in several areas.
He added that imposing additional financial burdens on farmers amid the current economic crisis would not solve security challenges and could instead deepen tensions between local communities and the authorities.
The areas of Shenki, Ashma, Fasha, Abu Adham, and Amouri, located east of Bilel locality, are among the regions most affected by seasonal disputes between farmers and herders, particularly during planting and harvesting periods.
Despite annual conferences aimed at opening livestock routes, grazing areas, and water points and regulating agricultural activities, clashes between farmers and herders continue to occur in several parts of South Darfur, prompting calls for more sustainable solutions to safeguard livelihoods and ensure a stable agricultural season.