50,000 flee south Sudan turmoil: UN

50,000 flee south Sudan turmoil: UN

The United Nations says up to 50,000 people have fled tribal violence in a remote border area of South Sudan, in the latest episode of upheaval to hit the new African nation.

South Sudan became independent in July last year under a 2005 peace deal with Khartoum to end decades of civil war. But the new nation is struggling to build state institutions and stop rebel and tribal bloodshed that has killed thousands.

On Monday, some 6,000 armed members of the Lou Nuer tribe attacked the remote town of Pibor in Jonglei state bordering north Sudan after days of clashes with the rival Murle tribe, UN sources said.

Lise Grande, UN humanitarian coordinator for South Sudan, said tens of thousands of civilians had fled Pibor and other nearby towns to escape the violence.

"We are worried about their conditions. They are without water, shelter and food. They are hiding in the bush. I think it is between 20,000 and 50,000. This is an estimate only," Grande told reporters.

Reinforcements

South Sudan's armed forces are sending reinforcements to Pibor, army spokesman Philip Arguer said. "They attacked the town this morning. Civilians were evacuated from Pibor three days ago," he said, without giving further details.

UN sources said about 3,000 soldiers and 800 policemen were on their way to Pibor. Cattle raids, they said, had sparked the latest violence.

REUTERS/Ehimen/Cokey