ALBAWABA - Clashes between two armed groups have killed at least 42 people in eastern Chad, according to the public security ministry.
The ministry did not specify who was involved in the fighting. Still, the African country is known for being frequently the site of disputes between sedentary farmers and nomadic breeders, or other groups. According to a statement released by the government, 175 persons were arrested.
According to the ministry's statement, the clashes resulted in the arrest of 175 people on the site, where "a large part" of the village of Tileguey in Ouaddai province was "set on fire by armed men".
"The situation is under control, but I'm trying to reconcile the different parties," said Public Security Minister General Mahamat Charfadine Margui in a phone message to AFP.
The minister was at the scene of the conflict, leading a delegation of government and military officials tasked with "shedding full light" on the tragedy.
Farmers frequently dispute with herders in eastern and southern Chad, where many inhabitants are armed, accusing them of allowing animals to graze on their land or trample on crops.
