Far North Region: inter-ethnic conflict leaves at least 26 dead

The atmosphere is far from being calm in Birké Canton, located in Logone-Birni, of the Logone and Chari Division, Far North Region. As at now, at least 26 members of the community have been killed in a bloody inter-ethnic conflict.

The conflict is reported to have begun on Monday this week, and continued to Tuesday. The conflict stems from a land dispute between the Mousgoums and the Choa Arabs.

The dispute which had been dragging on for quite some time suddenly became violent and bloody after the Choa Arabs decided to up the tempo by using their guns against their ethnic rivals, reports say.

The death toll at the moment stands at 26, of which 6 are the Mousgoums and 20 on the Choa Arab side. Several injuries incurred during the clashes have also been recorded.

Credible media sources have revealed that local government authorities in the Logone and Chari Division have initiated a process to settle the dispute amongst the ethnic rivals.

The SDO in particular, Jean Lazare Ndongo Ndongo has already initiated a peace process between them to end the battle, though at the moment they are reported to have stalled.

There are fears more lives will be lost if immediate action is not taken.