Sudan to use military force to maintain security in South Darfur

By Bahram Abdel Moneim

KHARTOUM, Sudan (AA) - The Sovereignty Council of Sudan on Friday ordered the use of military force to maintain order in the South Darfur state.

In a statement, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, the deputy leader of the council, said the decision was made after an escalation in violence and fighting in the Sudanese state.

The council issued “strict directives to the government of South Darfur state and the state security committee to resolve tribal attacks militarily,” according to the statement.

It also banned tribal gatherings under emergency law immediately to end tribal conflicts in South Darfur.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, local media reported that at least 30 people were killed as a result of tribal clashes.

Many areas in Darfur have witnessed sporadic deadly clashes between Arab and African tribes over land, resources, and grazing paths.

*Writing by Mahmoud Barakat in Ankara