Clashes Over Water Control Between Two Families Leave 42 Dead

At least 42 people have been killed in a violent clash in the African country of Chad following a dispute between two families over water access. At least 10 others were injured in the incident. The situation was later brought under control with the intervention of the army.

The information was reported on Monday (April 27) by Al Jazeera.

According to the report, a dispute over water usage rights in eastern Chad escalated into deadly violence between two families. The country’s Deputy Prime Minister Limane Mahamat confirmed the details while visiting Egoité village in Fira province, an area near the Sudanese border. The violence began on Saturday.

The deputy prime minister said the injured are being treated at a provincial health centre. The violence spread rapidly as retaliatory attacks intensified, prompting military intervention to restore order.

He added that security forces acted quickly to bring the situation under control. Traditional mediation efforts have been initiated in the village, along with a judicial investigation to determine criminal responsibility.

The report also noted that intercommunal clashes over land and water are frequent in Chad. Last year, several people were killed and homes were destroyed in similar violence between farmers and herders in the country’s southwest.

Mahamat said the government will take all necessary measures to prevent further instability in the eastern border region.