South Sudan deploys troops to prevent revenge attacks

By the CNN Wire Staff

August 25, 2011 — Updated 2010 GMT (0410 HKT)

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

• At least 600 people killed in clashes between Murle and Lou Nuer tribes
• A World Food Programme warehouse is looted and a medical clinic is partially destroyed
• Ban Ki-moon urges the government of South Sudan to restore security in Jonglei

(CNN) — The Security Council of the Republic of South Sudan on Wednesday ordered tro­ops deployed to restore security and prevent retaliatory attacks after violent clashes in the past week

The caretaker minister of interior, Gen. Gier Chuang Aluong, said that Sudan People’s Liberation Army troops would be rapidly deployed to the states of Jonglei in the east and Warrap in the north-central part of the country, which became independent on July 9.

In the wake of clashes August 18 between the Murle and Lou Nuer communities that left at least 600 people dead, 200 abducted and at least 26,000 cattle stolen, the caretaker minister for information and broadcasting, Barnaba Marial Benjamin, condemned "such mindless violence that has left so many innocent men, women and children dead or injured, their homes and livelihoods in ruin."

An assessment mission dispatched to Jonglei on Monday confirmed more than 330 buried dead and close to 200 injured. According to Lise Grande, a U.N. humanitarian coordinator in South Sudan, the team identified more than 250 unaccompanied minors and estimated that 26,800 people became displaced.

"It is possible that many more bodies remain unburied in the bush," Grande said. "During yesterday’s flyover, the assessment team saw two villages that appeared to be torched to the ground."

Since February this year, a series of clashes between the Lou Nuer and Murle communities has resulted in the loss of more than 1,000 lives, the humanitarian coordinator said Wednesday.

Humanitarian assistance has been hindered by the unrest. A warehouse stocked with food from the United Nations’ World Food Programme has been looted, and a Medecins Sans Frontieres-supported clinic was partially destroyed, Grande said.

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Monday called on the government of South Sudan to restore security in Jonglei, protect civilians affected by violence and work with both communities to reduce tensions.

http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/08/25/south.sudan.troops/

About Post Author

PaanLuel Wël

administrator

PaanLuel Wël is the founder and editor-in-chief of PaanLuel Wël Media Ltd, a news website that covers news, opinions, analysis, history, culture and literature of South Sudan and the world. Founded in July 2011 by PaanLuel Wël to create a platform for free expression and constructive dialogue, the website features articles from various contributors, including columnists, commentators, poets, authors, activists and academics. PaanLuel Wël believes that media can play a vital role in informing, educating and empowering the people to participate in nation-building and social transformation. He also believes that media can foster a culture of dialogue, tolerance and diversity among different communities and groups, and hopes to inspire and mentor the next generation of South Sudanese writers and journalists.

See author's posts