Over 40 dead in Lakes state inter-clan clashes

April 14, 2014 (RUMBEK) – More than 40 people were killed and dozens injured after inter-clan clashes occurred in South Sudan’s Lakes state’s Rumbek East county on Friday, an official disclosed.

“The clashes between Durbaar and Durceek left 20 people confirmed dead [from] both sides,” said the officer.

The Durceek clan, he added, lost seven people while fourteen died from Durbaar’s side.

“Four other people allegedly from Athoi clan fighting alongside Durbaar were also killed in that same incident of Karic,” the official further told Sudan Tribune.

Meanwhile, a separate clash between the Panyar and Nyuei beag clans on Saturday reportedly killed 18 people from both sides.

“Panyar-Apin clan had two people confirmed dead, Panyar-Muorchor had six people dead and Nyuei with 10 people killed,” said the officer, who expressed fears of more wounded people.

Residents have, however, attributed both incidences on the cycle of violence that has continued in the region, despite attempts by the state administration to restore calm among these communities.

A number of youth have also been arbitrarily arrested by Lakes state caretaker governor, Maj. Gen Matur Chut Dhuol since he assumed office from the democratically-elected governor 15 months ago.

Since last year, however, the governor introduced harsh measures which have made him largely unpopular among the masses.

Recently, a group of lawmakers drawn from Juba, the national parliament and Lakes state parliament made an attempt to reconcile the warring communities of Lakes state, but pastoral youths reportedly declined to honor legislators’ demands.

Several activists and members of the public have demand the immediate removal of the caretaker governor, accusing the latter of allegedly inciting the public to resume the cycle of revenge killings.

(ST)