Fighting claims more lives in Lakes State

Tribal and cross-border clashes have also been reported in neighbouring areas of Western Equatoria and Unity States.
 
Governor Chol Tong Mayay has urged local communities to return to calm and allow the government to bring the killers to justice.

"The government of Lakes State has condemned this sudden outbreak of violence," he said, adding that security forces have been dispatched to stop the fighting and apprehend the culprits.

Deem Akec Maconu was kidnapped and beaten by armed militia in Alor Payam, Rumbek North County.Cases of looting and kidnapping have also been reported. In one incident, two women were held at gunpoint by suspected members of Nuer militias in Rumbek’s North County.

Deem Akec Macony was beaten by armed men who broke her arm after she refused to disclose the location of local cattle camps.

"The militiaman said they need cows and those who are holding guns," she said.  

The head of Rumbek North County, Ajuong Nhial Apar, said he appealed to the government of Lakes State to provide more regional security. He has also asked the Government of Southern Sudan (GoSS) to deploy security forces along the borders of Unity, Lakes and Warap States.

Governor Chol Tong Mayay said his government has recruited 600 new police personnel to increase security in Lakes State. He declined to give precise figures of people killed in areas around Rumbek.

"My government will coordinate with neighbouring state governments to resolve ongoing cross-border conflicts and cattle raiding," he said, "in order to restore peace and stability for our people."