At least 20 people, including women, have been killed and several others wounded after tribal fighting erupted in East Darfur and spread between the areas of Al-Dibeib and Al-Sunta, according to local sources.
The violence began in Al-Dibeib, in Al-Firdous locality, following a dispute between two individuals that rapidly escalated into armed clashes. Four people were initially reported killed.
Local sources said the fighting intensified after tribal mobilisations and community defence groups, locally known as “fazaa”, arrived in the area. A further 16 people were killed, including women, while livestock was also looted during the violence.
The Rapid Support Forces deployed substantial reinforcements in an attempt to contain the fighting, according to the sources. More than 60 vehicles were reportedly sent from Buram and El Daein, while around 50 combat vehicles were dispatched from Nyala.
A local tribal leader said contacts between traditional administrations representing the rival communities helped calm the situation, with both sides agreeing to halt further escalation and stop additional tribal mobilisation.
RSF forces have also begun detaining individuals accused of fuelling the violence and engaging in lawlessness as part of efforts to prevent renewed clashes.
The fighting highlights the continuing danger posed by local disputes in Darfur, where relatively small incidents can quickly develop into wider armed confrontations as tribal fighters and community mobilisation forces become involved.
East Darfur has experienced repeated episodes of communal violence, with disputes over livestock, land and local grievances frequently exacerbated by the proliferation of weapons and the wider instability created by Sudan’s ongoing conflict.
