Tensions have risen between the Ma’aliya and Rizeigat tribes in East Darfur over land boundaries and local administrative structures, according to local sources. Tribesmen of the former group are appealing to authorities to intervene to contain the tension. 

A source in the area warned of an impending confrontation between youths of Adila and Karinka localities and those of the Kilakil Abu Salma area in East Darfur.

Youths in Kilakil Abu Salma have reportedly appealed to the federal government to intervene to protect Ma’aliya land.  The group claims that people from al-Daien, the capital of East Darfur State, distribute Ma’aliya tribe land to newcomers without prior consent of the owners of land.  

The youths said this practice is a clear violation of common norms and traditions of the hawakir land system in Darfur. They warned of imminent tribal clashes between the Ma’aliya and Rizeigat over the issue of land distribution.

The youth organization also requested the government to establish a new county headquartered at Kilakil Abu Salma and demanded a halt to migration and new settlement in their area.