The clashes took place late on Tuesday in the village of Dibebe, around 15 kilometres from Ngoura in the Hadjer Lamis province. Local sources speaking to Tchadinfos said the dispute involved two communities who both claimed ownership of the well.
In Hadjer Lamis, 18 people were reported dead with about 20 others injured. In the neighbouring Barh El Gazal region, another 15 people were killed and a similar number injured, according to provisional figures.
Witnesses noted that the land dispute dates back to 1967, and said tensions remain high despite the deployment of security forces.
Government ministers, including the Minister of Territorial Administration Limane Mahamat, Justice Minister Youssouf Tom, and Public Security Minister Ali Ahmat Akhabach, visited the area in an effort to ease tensions and support the restoration of order.