UN mission in Darfur ‘seriously concerned’ by escalating tensions between tribes

Following recent escalation in tensions between the Rezeigat and Ma’alia tribes, the joint United Nations-African Union Mission in Darfur today expressed serious concern about the possible implications and encouraged the leaders and members of both groups to exercise maximum restraint, engage in meaningful dialogue to resolve their dispute.

The African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) released a media statement today, welcoming the deployment of additional troops by the Government of Sudan to create a buffer zone between the two tribes, as well as its ongoing efforts to de-escalate the tension.

The Mission called on the Government of Sudan to further intensify its efforts to avoid potential eruption of conflict. It also called on the tribes to refrain from all acts that would lead to violence and displacement.

For its part, the Mission would continue to protect affected civilians, the statement said, adding that UNAMID would also facilitate and support all efforts by the Government of Sudan, native administration, leaders of the two tribes and other stakeholders to de-escalate the tensions and achieve reconciliation between Ma’alia and Rezeigat.