Lakes state death toll rises as police vacate hotspots

December 27, 2014 (RUMBEK) – At least 53 people have now been confirmed dead following clashes that occurred in Lakes state’s Rumbek East county, authorities said.

An officer who spoke to Sudan Tribune on condition of anonymity said security forces deployed in the tense areas has started deserting their areas of operation.

“It is the deadliest year in Rumbek and the public have lost trust in the government. Now most operation police forces deserted their areas of deployment in Pacong, Panawac and Malek-agok fearing attacks from armed pastoralists,” said the officer.

“The youth in the village do not respect police because they describe the police as forces of the caretaker governor Matur Chut Dhuol,” he added.

At least 44 people were killed and 31 others wounded in fresh inter-clan clashes in Lakes state, authorities said. Saturday’s incident occurred in Rumbek East county.

A separate reportedly occurred between Kok-Awac and Kok-Keer in Panawac village.

Lakes state has been blighted by cattle raiding since South Sudan gained independence from the north in July 2011, and continues to be locked in a cycle of inter-clan clashes and revenge killings.

Youth activists and traditional authorities have repeatedly called for the removal of the caretaker governor Matur Chut Dhuol amid claims he has failed to stem the violence.

Dhuol was appointed in January 2013 after president Salva Kiir sacked the elected governor.

(ST)