South Sudan’s communal clashes leave 38 dead, 52 hurt

Displaced people at a UN compound in the capital Juba. Pic/AP

Residents of a swampy area in central South Sudan battled with cattle herders who moved in looking for water and pasture during the dry season, and at least 38 people were killed and 52 suffered gunshot wounds, officials said Thursday.

The fighting started Wednesday and tensions remained high Thursday night, with officials reporting "minor clashes" and apprehension over revenge attacks in the remote area. The information minister of Warrap state, William Wol Mayom, said fighting took place in the Alor area, which is in Lakes state and borders both Warrap and Unity states. Mayom said security forces had been sent to calm the situation and to move the cattle herders away from the disputed wet lands.

The bloodshed came four days after at least 52 people, including a UN peacekeeper, were killed and 64 wounded by gunmen who attacked villagers in Abyei, an oil-rich region that is claimed by both Sudan and South Sudan.

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