Residents residing west of Jebel Marra in locations such as Jeladu (Brugatua), Gurney, Nertiti and Khor Ramla have been protesting the intentional destruction of their crops by pastoralists supported by members of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Pastoralists in the area have forced their livestock onto farmland that is close to harvesting in order to destroy the crops. In doing so they seek to enhance their migration routes in addition to forcing the farmers to abandon their fields.
Residents have informed Major Mu’tasim on several occasions though he is reported to have responded that he has “no capacity to protect the agricultural season”. Major Mu’tasim allegedly noted his orders were to only defend residents if they are attacked and no more. Residents have also informed the Commander of the RSF without success.
A delegation of farmers travelled to Nertiti to meet with the local governor, though he assigned his Deputy to meet with them instead. Although they were promised that a delegation would be dispatched to visit the damaged area, the farmers returned empty handed.
Pastoralist-farmer conflict in Darfur is a root cause of long-term insecurity in the region. Traditional migratory routes for pastoralists has been altered as a consequence of climate change as has the portion of arable land for farmers. The increasing scarcity of fertile land has fostered competition for resources as both parties are reliant on suitable land for their livelihoods.
Native administrations were previously key actors in settling disputes and negotiating land access. Successive governments have undermined such institutions and endeavours, and have furthermore themselves used the conflict to pursue their own interests.
