World · Africa · 3 days ago
Clashes kill 71 in South Sudan’s Rumbek town
About 71 people, including four soldiers, were reportedly killed in intercommunal clashes in Rumbek, a town in South Sudan’s Lakes State.
The caretaker government said the death toll has not yet been verified.
Witnesses said people from outside the town tried to take control and briefly succeeded.
They withdrew after police and military reinforcements arrived, and some fighting moved beyond the town.
Government security forces now control Rumbek, and officials say they are working to restore normality.
The caretaker government urged communities not to retaliate, warning that further violence could worsen tensions.
South Sudan has seen repeated deadly intercommunal clashes, while it prepares for its first national elections since independence in 2011.
Intercommunal clashes killed about 71 people in Rumbek, in South Sudan’s Lakes State, according to the caretaker government.
The death toll is preliminary and has not been verified.
The government said four soldiers were among those killed.
Government security forces regained control of the town after people from outside Rumbek tried to take control, according to witnesses cited by AFP.
The caretaker government condemned the violence and urged communities to avoid retaliation.
- Who
- People involved in intercommunal clashes; the reported dead include four soldiers.
- What
- Clashes killed about 71 people, according to the caretaker government.
- When
- Friday, according to the government statement.
- Where
- Rumbek town, Lakes State, South Sudan.
- Why
- Witnesses said people from outside Rumbek tried to take control of the town; the motive was not stated.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The caretaker government said intercommunal clashes in Rumbek killed about 71 people.
Police and military reinforcements arrived, and the attackers withdrew, according to witnesses cited by AFP.
- Reported deaths
- About 71 people
- Soldiers reported killed
- 4
- Town
- Rumbek
- State
- Lakes State
- Security control
- Government forces regained control of the town
What people are saying
According to initial security reports, approximately 71 people were reportedly killed
Rumbek town is currently under the control of Government security forces, and efforts are ongoing to restore normalcy
exercise maximum restraint and refrain from acts of retaliation that could further escalate tensions
Sources
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