At least 42 people were killed in fighting between ethnic groups in eastern Chad, a government official confirmed on Sunday. The clashes occurred on Saturday in the sub-prefecture of Guereda, located in the Wadi Fira province. According to a government delegate, the violence erupted following a dispute over a water well.
Government Response
In response to the deadly clashes, several ministers, senior local officials, and the military's chief of staff were dispatched to the scene on Sunday. Limane Mahamat, Deputy Prime Minister in charge of Territorial Administration and Decentralization, stated on state broadcaster that the situation is under control and remains so.
Background of Conflict
Eastern Chad has been plagued by conflicts between farmers and nomadic Arab herders for several years. Tensions have been further exacerbated by an influx of refugees fleeing the ongoing fighting in neighboring Sudan. According to estimates by the International Crisis Group, conflicts over farm and grazing land have resulted in more than a thousand deaths and 2,000 injuries between 2021 and 2024.
The latest incident underscores the persistent intercommunal tensions in the region, often triggered by competition over natural resources such as water and land. Authorities are working to prevent further escalation and maintain stability in the area.
