Tribal clashes kill 20 in Sudan`s Darfur

Khartoum: Tribal clashes have reignited in Sudan`s Darfur region, leaving up to 20 dead, local sources said today.

A patrol from the African Union-United Nations peacekeeping mission reached Umm Dukhun and other areas of Central Darfur state to verify reports of fighting between the rival Misseriya and Salamat tribes, a UNAMID public information officer told AFP. "A variety of sources at these locations informed the patrol that clashes in the area broke out on June 19 following an alleged theft of livestock, and continued on June 20-21," the officer said.

Local sources in the area told AFP that between 10 and 20 people had died. UNAMID was unable to confirm any reports of casualties.

Off-and-on clashes between the Salamat and their Arab rivals, the Misseriya, killed more than 200 people in Darfur last year. Battles among other tribal militias left many more dead and displaced hundreds of thousands.

Non-Arab rebels rose up 11 years ago in Darfur, seeking an end to what they viewed as Arab elites` domination of Sudan`s power and wealth.

In response, government-backed Janjaweed militiamen shocked the world with atrocities against civilians.

Analysts say the cash-starved government can no longer control its former Arab tribal allies, whom it armed against the rebellion, and violent competition for resources has intensified.