Chad: At least 42 killed after water dispute escalates

At least 42 people were killed in eastern Chad after a clash between two families over a water point escalated into a cycle of reprisals on Sunday. The Deputy Prime Minister Limane Mahamat said the cycle of reprisals had spread over a fairly large area, prompting an intervention by the army. He said the swift response by the military helped contain the clashes and that the situation is now under control. Mr Mahamat announced the launch of a customary mediation process in the village and of judicial proceedings to determine criminal responsibility. 
Inter-communal clashes over resources are common in the Central African country Chad.Last year, clashes between farmers and herders in southwestern Chad left 42 people dead and several homes burned. Chad's eastern provinces have for several months been hosting refugees fleeing the war in Sudan and are facing increasing pressure on resources and security.According to the International Crisis Group think-tank, 1,000 people were killed and 2,000 injured in about 100 clashes between 2021 and 2024.