In early January 2013, due to a dispute over the ownership of a gold mine that had become important to the local economy of the Jebel Amir area of North Darfur, clashes between the Abbala and Beni Hussein tribes in the area led to an estimated 100 deaths and 100,000 displaced. The fighting erupted on 5 January and resulted not only in casualties, but also in the looting and burning of nearby villages, forcing thousands of civilians to flee southward toward the villages of Kabkabiya, Saraf Omra, and El Sereif.

 

On 7 January, UNAMID dispatched a verification patrol to Jebel Amir and met with the Governor (Wali) of North Darfur to discuss ways to support mediation and reconciliation efforts to bring the disputing tribes to the negotiating table. From 17 to 22 January, UNAMID delivered more than 56,000 kilograms of humanitarian aid, by land and air, to thousands of civilians who were displaced. The aid consisted of nonfood items such as plastic tarps, sleeping mats, blankets and water-purification equipment. 

 

UNAMID strengthened its protection presence in the area by increasing its number of daily patrols, and continued its mediation work to bring about a peaceful solution to the tribal feud. The negotiations between the Abbala and Beni Hussein communities led to an initial ceasefire agreement signed on 18 January in Saraf Omra. However, as mediation efforts began to move forward, the fighting in North Darfur resumed, resulting in additional casualties and displacements.