Conflict between Arab and non-Arab groups has escalated over the last year in Darfur, where there is intense competition for land and access to water for livestock.

A leader of the Gimir community said 14 villages were burnt last week during clashes with the Arab Rizeigat community.

The violence near Kolbus in West Darfur was triggered by a land dispute.

The UN special representative for Sudan, Volker Perthes, said he was appalled by the violence and said the root causes needed to be addressed.