A number of reports have highlighted the increasing attacks on nomads, notably from the Al-Mahameed groups known to be loyal to Musa Hilal, in the Jebel Marra region. It is believed to be part of a systematic attempt to remove the groups from the outskirts of Jebel Marra.
On January 5, 12 year-old Ali Doctor Mahmoud was killed by the militia originally founded by now deceased Al-Amin Toro, led by Lieutenant Hussein in the Termo region located west of Baladung district and east of Murtajlo. Meanwhile on both December 25 and 27, a number of cows and horses were stolen from Al-Mahameed groups.
In addition, local sources note the prevalence of a number of activities including:
- Armed robbery;
- Theft of animals (horses, donkeys and camels), including from markets;
- Kidnap for ransom;
- Closing the nomadic routes and rest areas;
- Closing the wells and watering areas;
- Killing of animals;
- Burning of pastures annually in all areas adjacent to Jebel Marra;
- Targeted collection of weapons from the specific communities;
- Leading demonstrations against the nomads in markets and at other gatherings.
There has been a number of shifting alliances in Darfur during recent years. Notably one such example is between some non-Arab factions and Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo a.k.a Hemetti against the Al-Mahameed groups.
Al-Amin Toro, the now deceased founder of the militia that killed 12 year-old Ali Doctor Mahmoud, was a former commander in the Sudan Liberation Army – Abdel Wahid faction (SLA-AW) who left the group to sign a peace agreement with the government of Sudan in 2016.
In forging such alliances, Hemetti is strengthening and consolidating his position in Darfur.
