45 killed as S Sudan rivals clash

2010-01-12 11:10

Juba - New clashes erupted on Monday between two rival tribes in south Sudan, a military official said, with an independent local source reporting that at least 45 people had been killed in the fighting.

"We have information that civilians from Mayom county in Unity State have attacked a village in Gogrial-east county of Warrap State," said Kuol Deim Kuol, spokesperson for the Sudan People's Liberation Movement, a former rebel group which now acts as an army in the semi-autonomous south.

He said that members of the Nuer tribe attacked Dinka villagers but he was unable to give an immediate casualty toll. "We don't have the full details," he said.

However an independent local source said dozens of people were killed and wounded in the clashes.

"The combat left 45 people dead and 102 wounded," the source said on condition of anonymity.

The toll could not be confirmed by officials in the area.

Clashes between Nuer and Dinka tribes over cattle raids in the southern state of Warrap claimed at least 140 lives at the turn of the year, prompting the United Nations to call for an investigation.

- SAPA