28 killed as intercommunal clashes erupt in Qureida of South Darfur, Sudan

More than 80 people killed or wounded in tribal clashes between Masalit and Fallata (also spelled Fellata) tribes erupted in the town of Gereida (Qureida), approximately 85–90 km south of Nyala in South Darfur state, Sudan, beginning around September 19–20, 2026.

The violence reportedly started from a personal dispute between two individuals—one account describes it as involving young men at a café or market stall run by a woman in Abuja Market—that quickly escalated into armed tribal fighting. Gunfire spread into residential neighborhoods, with reports of heavy weapons and Kalashnikov rifles being used. Fighting continued into a second day in some areas.

Local medical and community sources initially reported at least 12 people killed and dozens wounded on the first day, with several of the injured in critical condition requiring surgery; some casualties were transferred to Nyala. Renewed clashes the following day added at least four more deaths and around 20–40 additional wounded, bringing confirmed deaths in early reports to roughly 16 or more, alongside significant numbers of injuries. Sudan War Monitor reported that overall casualties (killed and wounded) exceeded 80. Other accounts circulating online have cited even higher figures.

Homes and parts of neighborhoods (including western and northern areas, as well as locations such as Babnusa and a camp) were burned, markets temporarily closed, and hundreds of residents were displaced within the locality or to nearby areas such as Tulus. Farmers in surrounding areas also came under attack while trying to flee.

Rapid Support Forces (RSF) units already present in the area intervened at points to separate the sides, including by firing heavy weapons, and additional RSF military reinforcements later arrived in the conflict zone. Traditional leaders and local security committees worked to contain the violence. By September 22, the two sides signed a document to halt hostilities. It included provisions for blood-money (diya) payments and the reopening of shared markets from mid-October. Community mediation efforts continued afterward.

These events form part of a longer pattern of intermittent land, resource, and administrative disputes between the primarily farming Masalit community and the Fallata (pastoralist/herder groups) in the Gereida locality, which have repeatedly flared in past years despite prior reconciliation attempts. The area has a history of such violence amid broader insecurity in Darfur.