SUMMARY

The Rizeigat is the largest ethnic group in Darfur with an Arab identity. The group is divided between camel herders (Abbala) and cattle herders (Baggara). The Rizeigat group lives in Darfur, North and South Kordofan as well as in some areas of Chad. The Rizeigat Abbala has its origin in Northern Darfur but has moved to the south following droughts. The Rizeigat Abbala are pastoralists and camel herders and do not have any land of their own. The Rizeigat Abbala entered the Darfur conflict on the government side and their lack of territory has been stated to be a main reason for this intervention.

The Rizeigat Abbala is also divided into sub-groups and of these sub-groups, the Mahariya, has been the one most involved in the fighting against the Terjam. The Mahariya group is often referred to as being a harsh people from the desert and traditionally their militias have helped the Sudanese government to patrol the long, sandy border with Chad.

The Rizeigat Abbala has been involved in the non-state category of the UCDP organised violence.