The humanitarian crisis in Chereponi worsens as 1,800 displaced people

General News of Wednesday, March 20, 2019

Source: Myjoyonline.com

2019-03-20

The death toll in the new clashes between Konkombas and Chokosis in the Northeast Regional District of Chereponi has been increased to three in the latest National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) interim badessment.

Northern Region Coordinator Abdallah Hindu told Joy News that they still could not reach the displaced because of the volatile situation.

To date, the Organization's badessment indicates that 1,860 people have been displaced.

"The victims are currently camping in private houses and parish halls in Yunyoo District. In Gushegu, the battle is not going on there, but we have a camp there, which was used the last time the conflict broke out, "he told Joy News on Tuesday.

According to him, there were 690 people, but this figure reached 920 while more and more people entered the camp.

"In Chereponi itself, we have registered 16 burned communities and the victims are currently living in the township with relatives and friends. We had no camp for them, "he said.

There are fears that more people will be injured in days of violent clashes between the two ethnic groups in conflict. Police arrested eight suspects in connection with the violence in the city.

The government told the warring factions in Chereponi that violence was not the way to solve society's problems.

This follows the resumption of clashes between Konkombas and Chokosis in the Chereponi district of the Northeast region over the weekend.

DSP PRO officer Mohammed Yusif Tanko told JOYNEWS that weapons had been recovered from the suspects.

"Up until now, police and military forces gathered in the field around the Chereponi area have been able to arrest eight people in connection with the violence. They were able to retrieve six single shotguns plus one manufactured locally.

"Tuesday morning, we have heard of no violence in the area. We were able to send more men on patrol and also go inside to respond more to distress calls, "he said.

DSP Tanko said it hoped the situation would be under control quickly, adding that the tactics employed worked to their advantage.

He called on the leaders of both factions to call their people to order.

"We let them understand that they can not get peace and development by using guns, machetes, guns and violence to destroy property and lives.

At the same time, the deputy minister-designate of the North Region, John Benam, said he would work for a pro-active sharing of intelligence, a sure way to end recurring violence in Chereponi .

Answering questions during his prior review before the Parliament's Nominating Committee, he indicated that he would bring his experiences in conflict resolution to facilitate a lasting peace in the region.