25 killed, 22 injured in intercommunal clashes in western Chad-Xinhua - 新华网

YAOUNDE, Nov. 1 (Xinhua) -- At least 25 people were killed and 22 others injured in intercommunal clashes in a border area between Chad's western provinces of Hadjer-Lamis and Barh el Gazel, authorities said late Saturday.

In a statement posted on social media, the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Decentralization said the clashes involved two "sister communities." A total of 39 people arrested in connection with the violence had been transferred to the capital, N'Djamena, for further judicial proceedings.

The government had dispatched a delegation led by Minister of Public Security and Immigration Ali Ahmat Aghabach to the affected area to address the situation, according to the statement.

The authorities said they would conduct a full investigation into the violence, establish responsibility and ensure that judicial proceedings take their course. They also pledged to promote dialogue between the communities to restore peace and prevent further escalation.

Intercommunal clashes are relatively common in Chad and are often triggered by disputes over resources such as water and land. ■