SSPDF soldiers after a fighting in Lalo, South Sudan on October 16, 2016 | Credit | Bullen Chol/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images
The national government says security forces have contained deadly communal clashes in Rumbek, Lakes State, that reportedly killed about 71 people, including four soldiers.
The Ministry of Information, Communication Technology and
Postal Services said in a statement on Friday that joint forces comprising the
South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF), the National Security Service
(NSS) and the national police had brought the situation under control.
“Rumbek Town is currently under the control of Government
security forces,” the statement said, adding that efforts were underway to
restore normalcy and protect civilians and their property.
The ministry said the preliminary death toll was based on
security reports, with the exact number of fatalities and injuries yet to be
verified. The four soldiers killed included a captain and three
non-commissioned officers. The statement did not specify the number of civilian
deaths.
Four armed civilians had been arrested and four firearms
recovered, according to the government. The suspects and weapons were in SSPDF
custody pending further investigation and legal action.
The clashes began on Thursday in Nyangkot village, on the
outskirts of Rumbek Central County, before spreading into Rumbek town early
Friday. Four people were reportedly killed in the initial violence involving
armed youths from the Nyang and Pakam communities.
The fighting forced residents to flee to nearby areas,
including Ronga, Cueiadukan and Adol, according to local reports.
The government urged communities to remain calm and avoid retaliatory attacks that could escalate tensions.