Algeria arrests 60 people to end sectarian unrest in southern desert city over land, water

ALGIERS, Algeria – Algerian authorities say they have arrested at least 60 people following a month of clashes between Arabs and Berbers over land and water in a southern desert city.

Ghardaia, an oasis town on the edge of the Sahara desert, has seen repeated clashes between the two groups that have left two people dead, dozens injured and many shops burned. National police were sent into the town last week to restore calm.

Berbers, the original inhabitants of North Africa, accuse local police of encouraging the Arabs. Three officers have been suspended after a video surfaced showing their alleged involvement.

Local authorities told the state news agency Wednesday that 20 people had been charged with arson, theft and assault, 10 others are under house arrest and another 30 are in custody awaiting questioning.