At least 12 people were killed and dozens wounded in tribal clashes in Gereida, South Darfur, after a dispute between two individuals escalated into hours of fighting, local Sudanese media reported.
The violence erupted on Saturday between members of the Masalit and Fellata communities in Gereida, around 90 kilometres south of Nyala, according to Darfur24.
A medical source in the town told Darfur24 that about 12 bodies had been brought to hospital along with a number of wounded people. Some of the injured were in critical condition and required urgent surgery, the source said.
The full number of casualties in residential neighbourhoods had yet to be established.
A community leader in Gereida said the confrontation began with a dispute between two young men at a café operated by a woman. The argument escalated into gunfire, killing one of the men before the violence spread to Abuja Market.
Traders shut their shops at around 11 a.m. as fighting intensified and continued until sunset, the community leader said.
Farmers were also reportedly attacked in agricultural areas while attempting to flee the violence, adding to concerns over the humanitarian situation in and around the town.
Three residents told Darfur24 that Federal Police forces and the Rapid Support Forces stationed in Gereida were unable to contain the fighting as members of both communities mobilised.
The clashes subsided after sunset and a tense calm returned to the town, although sporadic gunfire could still be heard in more distant areas.
Gereida and other parts of South Darfur have faced repeated incidents of communal violence and insecurity, including armed robbery, disputes between farmers and herders, killings, kidnappings and ransom-related crimes.
Roads linking towns and settlements in southern South Darfur have also seen an increase in armed robberies and deadly attacks.
