The Darfur region is located in the western part of Sudan, and its area is estimated at one-fifth of the country's area. The population of the region is approximately 9.5 million. The most prominent tribes inhabiting it are: the Fur, the Masalit, the Zaghawa, and the Rizeigat.
The name of the region is attributed to the Fur tribe, and it is administratively divided into 5 states, North, South, West, East and Central Darfur. The region is characterized by a large livestock and has often known conflicts between herders and farmers fueled by tribal affiliations.
Armed groups were active in Darfur, most notably: the Sudan Liberation Army, the Abdul Wahid Nour faction, then the Justice and Bargaining Movement, led by Jibril Ibrahim, in addition to the Sudan Liberation Army, led by Minni Arko Minawi.
Report: Ahmed Jarrar
