In recent days a violent confrontation erupted among Arab communities in Darfur, affecting the western and southern parts of Sudan. The conflict centers on loyalties among tribal alliances, particularly between the Salamat and Beni Halba, two Arab groups, and their alignment with the Sudanese Army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Security officials speaking on condition of anonymity indicated to EFE that the fighting, which began on Thursday in South Darfur and West Darfur, has resulted in more than 120 deaths and numerous injuries. The clashes reportedly began earlier in the week when gunmen from the Salamat tribe allegedly stormed the residence of a tribal chief and seized a vehicle. In response, members of the Beni Halba tribe, also Arab, launched counteractions in the same region, and several of the assailants were killed.
Violence then spread to areas near the border with Chad, where a large displacement of civilians has pushed many people to seek safety across the divide. The turmoil has also involved additional tensions between the Salamat and the Habaniya, another Arab lineage, which clashed with the Afrika Masalit, one of the few groups showing support for the Army in the ongoing conflict with RSF. Reports indicate that paramilitary forces have conducted ethnic cleansing in parts of Darfur.
According to Salah Abdula, the tribal leader based in Gereida in southern Darfur, the clashes have produced a toll that includes about a hundred deaths in battles between Salamat and Beni Halba, with six more fatalities in confrontations between Habaniya and Masalit, and an additional fourteen deaths in the Habaniya and Salamat clashes. Abdula also noted a significant movement of fighters from the Beni Halba and Salamat toward Khartoum to back their tribes in the hostilities.
risk of civil war
Residents across South Darfur describe a volatile atmosphere as Arab tribes accuse the Army of stoking intertribal warfare. The region, which publicly expressed support for RSF during the spring, continues to be a flashpoint as factions contend for influence and resources. Some narratives suggest that the Army may be fueling these clashes to draw tribal fighters away from the capital and then advance to solidify control over Darfur. This perception feeds tensions as armed movements press for dominance in the region.
Beyond immediate clashes, humanitarian observers warn that the situation could intensify into a broader civil conflict. The United Nations and multiple organizations express concern about the potential fragmentation of Darfur into rival factions, a consequence of the RSF revolt against the Army that began in mid-April and has since triggered wider hostilities across Sudan. The fear is that long-standing grievances, coupled with displacements and insecurity, could push the country toward a protracted internal crisis.
Analysts point to patterns of displacement, ethnic fragmentation, and contested loyalties as key ingredients driving the current volatility. As communities seek safety and defense alike, the risk remains that clashes will escalate, threatening regional stability and complicating relief efforts. The international community continues to monitor developments and urge restraint while stressing the need for humanitarian access and dialogue to reduce harm to civilians. In this tense environment, accountability and clear communication about the motives behind violence are seen as essential to preventing further deterioration of the situation.
Ultimately, the events in Darfur highlight the fragile balance between tribal affiliations, political power, and national security in Sudan. As clashes persist and displacement grows, authorities and aid agencies face the challenge of protecting civilians, restoring order, and pursuing a peaceful path forward amid deep-seated grievances and shifting alliances. The evolving dynamics in Darfur will likely influence the broader trajectory of Sudan’s conflict and shape regional responses for months to come.