Sunday, February 13, 2011

Officials: 105 dead in Southern Sudan clashes

Last Wednesday and Thursday forces loyal to George Athor attacked the town of Fanjak in Southern Sudan, where twenty SPLA soldiers, thirty of the attackers, and thirty-nine civilians were killed. The group also attacked the town of Bor killing twelve of the attackers and four SPLA soldiers. In all 105 are dead due to this incident.


The SPLA is a military wing of the Sudanese Libaration Movement that is currently governing Southern Sudan. Moreover, in 2010 George Athor "took up arms" after losing the election for governor of the Southern Sudanese state of Jongeli. Although he accused the government of election fraud, he signed a truce days before the referendum in January.


The nation is preparing for it's official independence on July 9; however, violence from renegade militias is causing some concern. In fact, last week a mutiny among the Joint Integrated Units (JIU) by soldiers loyal to militia leader Gabriel Tang led to fifty deaths, as well as with sixty-five injured civilians. The JIUs are a coordinated military force made up of the northern Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the southern Sudanese Peoples Liberation Army.


By Aleksandra Ruseva


http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/02/13/sudan.violence/index.html

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