Reconciliation Conference Between Falata and Masalit in South Darfur Calls to Turn the Page on Gereida Events

Nyala: October 5, 2025: Radio Dabanga. The activities of the social cohesion conference between the Falata and Masalit tribes began on Sunday in the city of Nyala, the capital of South Darfur, under the slogan 'Peace is Better.' The conference saw the participation of tribal leaders (Native Administration), community mediators, and representatives of security agencies, with the aim of containing the repercussions of the events witnessed in Gereida locality, promoting reconciliation, and rebuilding trust between the two parties. The General Nazir of the Falata, Mohamed Al-Fateh Ahmed Al-Samani, affirmed his tribe's commitment to peace and coexistence. He stated that the Gereida events do not represent a tribal conflict, but rather began as an individual dispute before escalating, noting that the weakness of security agencies contributed to the expansion of the events. Al-Samani explained that the Falata delegation traveled from Tulus in response to the efforts of the Ajaweed (mediators) and the peace government, without preconditions, with the goal of closing the crisis file and preventing its recurrence. He called on the government to take decisive measures against outlaws, emphasizing his tribe's commitment to protecting the social fabric and not being dragged into what he described as attempts to ignite strife. For his part, Adel Hassan Al-Malik, the Malik of Gereida and representative of the Masalit delegation, expressed the readiness of the Gereida local community to turn a new page with the Falata. He said that the doors of homes and hearts are open to restore brotherly relations, and that the historical ties between the two tribes are too deep to be destroyed by fleeting events. Al-Malik praised the efforts of the Native Administration and community mediation, which included the Mahadi, Habbaniya, and Rizeigat, alongside the Sudanese Initiative for Social Cohesion. He also commended the role of the forces that intervened to contain the events and establish stability. He affirmed the Masalit's commitment to covenants and charters, and their work to prevent any attempts to dismantle the community or incite hostilities between its components. Call to strengthen the state's role: For his part, Nazir Al-Tom Al-Hadi Issa Dabaka, head of the Ajaweed committee for the conference, said that holding the conference represents an important milestone for strengthening social cohesion. He noted that the Native Administration and the Sudanese Initiative for Social Cohesion moved toward the conflicting parties immediately after the events occurred, and found a readiness from both sides to reach a settlement that preserves their historical relations. Dabaka pointed to previous reconciliation experiences, including the settlement between the Salamat and Beni Halba, which demonstrated the ability of the Native Administration to overcome disputes and restore communication between communities. He called on the state to strengthen its role in resolving lawlessness and holding those involved in inciting strife accountable, to prevent the recurrence of events that threaten the security and cohesion of communities. Warning against exploiting security conditions: Meanwhile, Brigadier Hussein Khaddam, head of the Services and Guidance Department and representative of the Rapid Support Forces, called on tribal leaders to strengthen their role in raising community awareness and confronting attempts to sow discord. Khaddam warned against exploiting security conditions to ignite internal conflicts, confirming the readiness of the forces to deal with lawlessness and support stability efforts in accordance with the law. The conference aims to reach practical measures that prevent the renewal of conflict between the Falata and Masalit, enhance the role of the Native Administration in containing disputes, and support the rule of law and the accountability of those involved in acts of violence, contributing to the protection of the social fabric and the promotion of peaceful coexistence in South Darfur State.