South Sudan clashes 'cause for serious concern'

JUBA, SUDAN - May 13 2009 15:01

Clashes between rival ethnic groups in southern Sudan in which at least 66 people have died are cause for "serious concern," a senior United Nations official warned on Wednesday.

The fighting in the Nasir country area of Upper Nile state erupted on Friday between factions of the Lou Nuer and Jikany ethnic groups.

"Over 60 women, children and men," were killed in the village of Torkech, said Lise Grande, UN Deputy Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Southern Sudan.

A further 57 people were wounded, many of them critically, and at least 1 550 people have fled the fighting.

"The UN is seriously concerned about the increasing violence in the area and the continuing loss of innocent lives of women, men and children," Grande warned in a statement.

"We call upon the community leaders and all relevant authorities to intervene and resolve the conflict through peaceful means and reconciliation," Grande added.

The death toll stands at 66, including some people who drowned trying to flee across the river, the UN statement added.

Clashes in southern Sudan between rival ethnic groups break out frequently -- some sparked by cattle rustling and disputes over natural resources, others in retaliation for previous attacks.

However, the scale of violence and the apparently increasing number of attacks on women and children, as well as the targeting of homesteads, is causing increasing concern.

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A UN assessment team has been sent to the area, while the South Sudan Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (SSRRC) is reported to be organising food aid to be distributed to those displaced by the unrest.

There have been several outbreaks of violence in the region, raising fears of potential future instability with national elections due in February 2010. -- Sapa-AFP

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