The Rezaigat Camel Nomads of the Darfur Region of Western Sudan: From Co-Operation to Confrontation

Abstract

The Rezaigat camel nomads live on the fringes of northern Darfur. They are part of the larger Rezigat tribe, the majority of whom are cattle nomads who occupy the southern part of the Darfur region. The Rezigat camel nomads are divided into five subclans: the Mahameed, the Mahriyya, the Iraigat, the Itaifat and Aulad Rashid. Each clan has its system of tribal leadership with an 'nazi' at the top of the administrative hierarchy (Waha locality records). In addition to these five major subclans, there are two smaller subclans, the Shattiyya and Mahadi who have no independent leadership structure. This report examines the settlement option for the Rezaigat camel nomads and concludes with some general remarks and policy recommendations.