The United States condemns the recent ethnic violence in El-Geneina, the capital of West Darfur State in Sudan and welcomes the transitional government’s quick deployment of additional security forces and the visit by Prime Minister Hamdok. We offer our condolences to those who were killed and injured from the armed clashes between the Massalit and nomadic tribes. This tragedy demonstrates, yet again, the need for armed opposition groups and the Sudanese transitional government to conclude negotiations towards a sustainable peace, and to begin the arduous task of returning stability and security to Darfur and other conflict-affected regions in Sudan.

We call on all leaders to refrain from using these terrible events for political or negotiating advantage and to recommit themselves to the peace process. It is important that all Sudanese security forces uphold the rule of law and provide security for all. We commend the Sudanese transitional government for forming a national investigation committee to investigate the clash and hold perpetrators accountable.

The clashes highlight the need for comprehensive security sector reform, as well as prudent disarmament of tribal militias, as soon as the peace negotiations are concluded.