Armed herders spark fears of violence among South Darfur farmers

NYALA – Farmers in South Darfur are warning of potential violent clashes with herders encroaching on farmlands during the peak harvest season, amid growing concerns over the lack of state intervention.

Farmers in localities such as Beleil, Marshang, and Al-Malam say repeated incursions by herders are destroying crops and threatening livelihoods.

“We are at the height of harvest season, and these attacks are jeopardizing everything we’ve worked for,” a farmer, who requested anonymity for safety reasons, told Sudans Post.

Conflicts between herders and farmers traditionally flare during the rainy season and harvest periods, often sparked by livestock grazing on cultivated fields, either intentionally or accidentally.

Ali Abakar, a farmer in the region, said the areas of Torba, Debanga, Arang, and farms east of Al-Malam are among the hardest hit.

“Herders have set up camps near our farms, and their camels and cattle are destroying our crops,” he said. “We have suffered significant losses, and the situation is pushing us to the brink.”

Abakar highlighted the imbalance of power, noting that while herders are often armed, farmers are left defenseless.

“If this continues, we may be forced to arm ourselves for protection,” he said.

Suleiman Adam Osman, another farmer, said the economic stakes are high. “We’ve invested all our savings in this farming season, which promised a good harvest. Now, herders are putting it all at risk,” he said.

In Beleil locality, near the Kalma camp for displaced persons, Fatima Ibrahim described ongoing harassment from herders.

“We’ve repeatedly appealed to local and state authorities to protect our farms, but there’s been no meaningful action,” she said.

One farmer accused authorities of neglect, saying, “The lack of enforcement emboldens the herders. It’s as if our lives and livelihoods don’t matter.”

Earlier this year, Mohamed Hassan, head of the civil administration in South Darfur, called for securing the agricultural season, but farmers say their complaints have gone unanswered.

With tensions escalating and no effective intervention, fears of a violent confrontation between herders and farmers are mounting across South Darfur’s agricultural areas.