El Fasher, 11 May 2015- The African Union – United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) expresses serious concern over the recent escalation of tensions between the Rezeigat and the Ma’alia tribes in East Darfur.

UNAMID encourages the leaders and members of both tribes to exercise maximum restraint, engage in meaningful dialogue to resolve their dispute and refrain from all acts that would lead to violence and displacement.

The Mission welcomes the deployment of additional troops by the Government of Sudan to create a buffer zone between the two tribes, as well as its ongoing efforts to de-escalate the tension. UNAMID calls on the Government to further intensify its efforts to avoid potential eruption of conflict.

Meanwhile, the Mission shall continue to protect affected civilians, facilitate and support all efforts by the Government of Sudan, native administration, leaders of the two tribes and other stakeholders to de-escalate the tensions and achieve reconciliation between Ma’alia and Rezeigat in accordance with its mandate.