Intercommunal clash over Chad well kills at least 33

Chad's public television channel ONAMA said Tuesday's fighting was between two communities from the neighbouring Bahr-El-Gazel and Hadjer-Lamis provinces in the west of the Sahel country.

"The dispute, which erupted over a well claimed by both communities... resulted in 33 deaths and several injuries," a senior government adviser told AFP on the condition of anonymity.

Several ministers, senior local officials and an army contingent have been deployed to the area, according to ONAMA.

"Despite the presence of the authorities and the army, tensions are high on the ground," a local source told AFP.

A senior political figure said the area had faced similar incidents in 1999 and 2004, resulting in dozens of victims.

Intercommunal violence is common in Chad, particularly in rural areas where most of the fighting is sparked by disputes over land, water and livestock.