West Darfur governor survives assassination attempt

By Bahram Abdel Moneim and Talal Ismail

KHARTOUM (AA) – The governor of West Darfur State in western Sudan, Muhammad Abdullah Al-Duma, has survived an assassination attempt, local authorities confirmed on Wednesday.

In a statement, the government of West Darfur State said gunmen armed with heavy weapons attacked the governor’s home late Tuesday following a security meeting.

According to the statement, security forces repelled the attack. No injuries were reported.

The governor emerged unhurt.

While the statement gave no further details, local media said explosions were heard throughout the state during the attack.

Geneina, the capital of conflict-ridden West Darfur State, has recently witnessed violent clashes between Massalit and Arab tribes over land, resources, and grazing areas. At least 159 people have been killed and dozens injured in the violence, according to the Central Committee of Sudanese Doctors (CCSD).

On Saturday, the Sudanese authorities imposed an indefinite curfew in the state in an attempt to end the tribal clashes in the area.

*Ibrahim Mukhtar contributed to this report from Ankara