Sudan: Intercommunal clashes leave at least eight killed in Zalingei, Central Darfur, Dec. 28-29

Event

Communal violence involving members of the Rizeigat and Fur communities left at least eight people dead and 11 others injured in Zalingei, Central Darfur State, Dec. 28-29. Security forces were reportedly deployed to the area following the clashes to prevent gunmen from neighboring areas from entering the town.

Further clashes and related violence could occur. Officials could enact heightened security measures, including security force deployments, curfews, and checkpoints. Business and road travel disruptions are likely near any further incidents of violence or due to security force responses.

Context

Creeping desertification continues to drive intense competition for access to scarce resources such as grazing areas and drinking water. Given the easy availability of small arms, even small localized incidents regularly escalate into clashes, which may, in turn, fuel rounds of reprisal attacks between various communities, sometimes leading to heavy casualty tolls.

Advice

Consider deferring nonessential travel to Zalingei until the situation stabilizes. Exercise heightened vigilance if operating in the state. Heed all instructions from security personnel. Maintain contact with your diplomatic mission.