Sudan deploys troops to Darfur to contain tribal violence

Sudan's transitional government has deployed military units to the conflict-ridden Darfur region in an attempt to help restore calm there following three days of tribal violence.

According to reports, the heavy deployment of troops on Tuesday came after violent clashes claimed at least 155 lives, wounded scores, and displaced tens of thousands in the restive state. 

The violence reportedly started as a local dispute on Saturday between the Massalit tribe and Arab nomads in El Geneina, the capital of West Darfur State, before quickly morphing into broader fighting involving armed militias in the area.

State Governor Mohamed Abdalla al-Douma said at least 100 people were killed, more than 130 others were injured and up to 50,000 people were forced to flee areas in and around the Kerindig camp for internally displaced persons (IDPs).

Sudanese authorities imposed a state-wide curfew in West Darfur, while the Khartoum government dispatched a "high-profile" delegation to help contain the situation.

On Sunday, the head of Sudan's ruling body, army chief General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, met top security chiefs to discuss the violence.

Douma said houses were burned and farm produce stolen in villages near El Geneina, but added that "we sent security to surround these villages and they are now secure."

Separate clashes on Monday in South Darfur between members of the Fallata ethnic group and the Arab Rizeigat tribe also claimed the lives of at least 55 people and wounded 37 others.

Sudan's state news agency, SUNA, reported that a heavy troop presence had also restored order in the town of Gereida, where the deadly clashes took place.

The latest attacks came just weeks after a long-running peacekeeping mission ended its operation in the region.

On December 31, the hybrid United Nations African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) formally ended its operations in the region. It plans a phased withdrawal of its approximately 8,000 armed and civilian personnel within six months.

People in Darfur protested the departure of the UN peacekeepers, citing fears of renewed violence.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has already expressed concern about the violence in Darfur.

"The Secretary-General calls on the Sudanese authorities to expend all efforts to de-escalate the situation and bring an end to the fighting, restore law and order and ensure the protection of civilians," his spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a statement on Sunday.

SS