West Darfur: 201 people killed and hundreds injured in Krinik locality following an intercommunal conflict

(9 May 2022) The African Centre for Justice and Peace Studies (ACJPS) calls on the international community to urgently conduct an independent and impartial investigation into the killing 201 people and injuring of 140 others that occurred on 22 and 24 April 2022 in Krinik locality in West Darfur. Several houses were also burned down and at least 12,500 people have been displaced. This investigation should be carried out with the aim of ensuring accountability. ACJPS further calls on the international community to prioritize the protection of civilians and security situation in Darfur and deploy resources to ensure the protection of civilians in the region.

ACJPS also reiterate its calls to Sudanese authorities to:

• Officially and publicly condemn arbitrary attacks, unlawful killings and injury and make it clear that these acts are absolutely prohibited, and perpetrators will be held to account.
• Launch an independent and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attacks in Darfur and guarantee that their findings are published promptly and within a clear timeframe. This investigation should also address conflict-related gender-based violence.
• To immediately prioritize the protection of civilians in Darfur region. Put in place tightened restrictions on the use and supply of arms and ammunitions, and a concerted effort to control arms and ammunition in the region should be launched, as well as controls over the use of ammunition and the presence of militias and weapons in public places.
• Ensure that police and law enforcement officers are deployed in the area to ensure security.

Intercommunal conflict in Krinik locality

On 22 April 2022, at around 07:00am, five men from the Arab Rezigate tribe came to Krinik town located 80 kilometers West of Elgenina, the capital of West Darfur State. The delegation included three people from Maharia tribe including; Mr. Ibrahim Gaood; Mr. Mohamed Gabsha; Mr. Yosef Karfo who is a Rapid Support Forces (RSF) officer and Mr. Hassan Bakai, also an RSF officer. They were joined by Mr. Mohamed Ashiger, a member of Awalad Jenoob tribe. The group met with Mr. Nassir Alzain, the Executive Director of Krinik locality with allegations of the killing of two Arab men belonging to Maharia tribe and the looting of their property at around 01:00am on the same day in Beirdabook village located approximately 6 kilometers West of Krinik. The group claimed that they followed footprints of the alleged perpetrators that led them to Krinik town. They demanded that the property that was looted be returned to them within two hours. Mr. Alzain requested the group to extend the time to enable him communicate their demands to members of Krinik security committee. The five men then moved towards the Western side of krinik town where they had left the rest of their group of more than 150 armed Arab men, majority of who were members of Maharia clan of the Rezigate tribe. They were waiting for feedback from the meeting.

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