Fighting over access to water in Chad kills at least 42, army intervenes

"At least 42 people have been killed in eastern Chad after a dispute between two families over access to water escalated into reprisal attacks, according to Deputy Prime Minister Limane Mahamat."

"Mahamat said the violence spread across a wide area as retaliatory attacks intensified, prompting the army to intervene. He added that a swift response by security forces helped contain the unrest."

"Intercommunal clashes linked to competition over land and water are common in Chad. Fighting last year between farmers and herders in the southwest killed dozens and destroyed homes."

"The violence comes as Chad faces mounting pressure from the war in neighbouring Sudan. Eastern provinces have absorbed hundreds of thousands of refugees fleeing the conflict, further straining already limited resources."

A water dispute in eastern Chad resulted in at least 42 deaths and numerous injuries. The violence, which began in Wadi Fira province, escalated into retaliatory attacks. Deputy Prime Minister Limane Mahamat confirmed the casualties and stated that the army intervened to control the situation. Authorities initiated mediation and judicial processes to address the conflict. Intercommunal clashes over resources are common in Chad, exacerbated by the influx of refugees from the Sudan conflict, which has strained local resources.

Read at www.aljazeera.com