Lakes state inter-clans fight kills dozens, says official

December 30, 2014 (JUBA) – At least 35 were people were confirmed dead following Saturday’s inter-clan fighting in South Sudan’s Lakes state, authorities said Tuesday.

Dhieu Wal, the minister of information in Lakes state government, said they were yet to obtain the exact numbers of those killed.

“The death toll is between thirty and forty and the wounded are about thirty eight or more,” said Wal, speaking by phone from the Lakes state capital, Rumbek.

The clash involved youths Gony and Thuyic clans of Lakes state’s Rumbek East county. Wal said revenge killings between the two clans started in September when a paramount chief was killed.

The minister said these clashes have so far caused the highest casualties in history.

Lakes state’s governor, Matur Chut Dhuol reportedly visited the area to restore order.

“The governor met the two groups separately that they should stop the fighting, to stop the bloodletting because fighting has no benefit,” said Wal, adding that “civilians here are heavily armed.”

Other sources, however, put the death toll from the inter-clan confrontation at 53.

(ST)