Victims of tribal clashes buried in Sudan

On Monday afternoon the funerals of more than 30 victims of tribal clashes between two Misseriya clans took place in Al Fula town in South Kordofan state. A source who asked not to be named told Arabstoday that “the funerals of 34 victims were held in the town amid extensive security measures,” pointing out that “the death toll may exceed 70.” A statement issued by the State Security Committee said 14 people had died in the clashes on Sunday although witnesses said many more had been seriously injured and taken to hospital. South Kordofan governor Ahmed Haroun headed an emergency meeting of the State’s Security Committee including security and military officials as well as regional leaders to ease tensions. The Committee called on all parties to “show caution, patience, and wisdom” and pledged "take all necessary and decisive actions to contain the situation”. A witness said security personnel had evicted members of the Misseriya Zurug from Al Fula and taken them to Lagawa where other members of the Zurug are based. Another source said dozens of families fled to areas 15 kilometres from the town fearing renewed clashes. They said they fled to Lagawa despite attempts by authorities to prevent them from leaving Al Fula. The source said, "The town has been completely rid of arms and police and security forces have been deployed.” He said that the weapons used in the conflict had mainly come from thegovernment who had distributed those to the Misseriya years earlier to protect the border area during conflict with the South.