At least 23 killed in ongoing violence in Aswan

At least 23 people were killed in clashes between members of the Hilail and the Nubian Dabodeya tribes that took place on Friday and Saturday in Aswan, state media reported, although eyewitnesses place the death toll at over 25.

The dispute had started on Wednesday between two students, but escalated on Friday when members of Hilail killed four Nubians belonging to Dabodeya, including a woman, according to Fatma Emam, Nubian activist and human rights researcher.

Magdy Daboody, another Nubian activist, says 16 people belonging to Hilail and nine Nubians were killed in the clashes.

State media reported that at least 35 people were also injured in the clashes, most of whom suffered gunshot wounds.

Aswan Governor Mostafa Yousry requested reinforcement from the Armed Forces Saturday after clashes reignited in the early morning when members of Dabodeya moved to strike back, according to state-owned Al-Ahram.

Ahram reported that Yousry phoned Defense Minister Sedky Sobhy to send reinforcements to the al-Sail al-Reefy area, east of Aswan, to support police forces in containing the situation and stopping the bloodshed.

A statement by the Armed Forces’ spokesperson posted on Facebook alluded to “Muslim Brotherhood elements” that ignited violence between both tribes.

The statement added that the Armed Forces, in cooperation with police forces, are currently containing the situation in Aswan.

However, Emam, as well as other Nubian activists, pointed to the apparent absence of security forces and their reluctance to intervene. Emam and eyewitnesses on the scene claim that the head of Aswan’s security directorate has washed his hands completely of any tribal disputes, and said he will not intervene in any tribal violence.

Daboody also told Mada Masr that the police and army forces are acting as “spectators” to the violence.

State media reported that police forces had imposed a security cordon in the area on Friday and arrested three members of the Hilail tribe. Police forces then withdrew from the area, making way for renewed clashes in the early hours of Saturday.

Emam traced back the tension between Hilail and Nubians to longstanding disputes over land. She told Mada Masr that there have been unresolved feuds and that Halail had killed several Nubians in the near past.

Emam also attributes the problem to weapon trading in Aswan, whereby Hilail sell weapons, she said, adding that tribes’ access to arms is “very easy.”  

Daboody agreed with Emam, pointing to the ongoing violence on Hilail’s part.

He claimed that Hilail are in possession of weapons and are working with the police, who always turn a blind eye when it comes to violence committed against Nubians.

“It is as if they want to finish us all off,” he said.

Emam also placed the blame on the government, which “is not active in preventing or intervening in the conflict.”

Prime Minister Ibrahim Mehleb and Interior Minister Mohamed Ibrahim were also reportedly heading to Aswan to follow up with the situation, state-owned MENA reported.