At least 23 people died in fighting between two tribes in Egypt, reports said Saturday. The clashes between the Arab Bani Hilal clan and a Nubian family began late Friday after offensive graffiti appeared on the wall of a local school.
Equations between the Arab clans and ethnic Nubians, who are basically from southern Egypt and north Sudan, have been tense, but a situation of this gravity is unprecedented.
The armed forces had to step in as police failed to intervene. Many houses were burnt and over 31 people were hurt in the clashes. Images have appeared on social media showing bodies lying in the street.
A meeting with leaders of the two sides on Saturday failed to resolve the issue. Seventeen local schools will be closed on Sunday, which is the first day of the working week in Egypt.
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