Africa

South Sudan troops reported to have killed up to 130 rebels

Country has seen violence since 2013 when government troops in Juba splintered

Community members of the Nuer tribe stand among their cattle at a smoky traditional cattle camp at dawn at the town of Nyal, an administrative hub in Unity state, South Sudan. Cattle are traditionally a source of enemity between the main tribes of Dinka and Nuer who for generations have raided each other’s lands, fought and killed for possession due to the respect and prestige owning numerous head of cattle is perceived to carry. Photograph: AFP

Tue Mar 17 2015 - 15:45

South Sudanese government troops are reported to have killed up to 130 rebels in the latest fighting following the collapse of peace talks between president Salva Kiir and his former deputy Riek Machar.

Brigadier Philip Aguer claimed government troops and rebel forces engaged in serious fighting in the oil-producing Upper Nile state. He said 14 government soldiers were also killed in fighting in Manyo County.

He said the rebels were dislodged from their positions and some fled toward Sudanese territory.

South Sudan has seen violence since 2013 when government troops in the capital, Juba, splintered and fought along ethnic lines.

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Peace talks have failed despite international pressure.

“Following heavy fighting there, the military is now in control of Manyo County in Upper Nile state, particularly the area of Gabat, where the rebels used to approach and shell the town of Renk from the western side of the Nile River,” said Brig Aguer. “The rebels have run toward the Republic of Sudan and are possibly hiding in a place called Kuek.”

Several peace talks have foundered despite the pressure for a political deal between Mr Kiir and Mr Machar, the former deputy president who now commands rebel forces.

It is widely believed the conflict was fuelled by a power struggle between Mr Kiir and Mr Machar, who was fired in July 2013.

Tens of thousands of people have been killed and 1.5 million have been displaced from their homes, according to the UN.

Violence also persists among rival communities fighting over grazing land and other resources. On Sunday at least 70 people were killed in clashes in South Sudan’s central region.

Forty-one men from Rumbek Centre County in Lakes state and 37 from neighbouring Rumbek North were killed when militia from the rival counties clashed over grazing land, according to Mawat Manuer, commissioner of Rumbek Centre.

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