42 people killed in clashes between rival communities in eastern Chad

By James Tasamba

KIGALI, Rwanda (AA) - At least 42 people were killed in latest clashes between “two communities” in eastern Chad, authorities said Thursday.

The fighting occurred in the village of Tileguey in Ouaddai province, the Public Security and Immigration Ministry said in a statement.

It said that one village was torched in the clashes and that 175 people have been arrested in connection with the violence.

A delegation of government officials led by Public Security and Immigration Minister Mahamat Charfadine Margui visited the area on Wednesday on an assessment mission.

“All those involved in the mass killings will be prosecuted,” the minister said.

The clashes were said to have started last Sunday and continued Wednesday between the Mouro and Birgut communities, according to local media reports.

Violence involving farmers and herders is common in eastern Chad, where farmers accuse herders of grazing on their land.