Unintended killings underscore mistrust and divisions in southern Sudan
A rebel militia’s attempt to surrender turns into a shootout killing dozens
The United Nations guards a position in the unstable border area between north and south Sudan. The U.N. camp is close to the restive town of Abyei, close to the border. The U.N. has warned that a build-up of weapons in the area is raising fears of renewed conflict.
Dozens of people were killed when a rebel militia clashed with southern Sudanese soldiers. It later emerged that the rebels had been intending to surrender all along.
The trigger-happy nervousness shows how little trust there is and how frayed nerves are as the Sudanese region prepares to become the world’s newest state in July.
On Saturday at least 57 soldiers loyal to rebel general Gabriel Tang were killed when they clashed with Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) soldiers in Jonglei state. Southern troops and civilians were also killed and wounded.
The following day Tang and 1,300 of his men surrendered.
According to an SPLA spokesmen the rebels and soldiers fell out over where the integration would take place, triggering a violent stand-off. “No one intended to fight,” Malaak Ayuen told AFP.
The United Nations, which has a strong presence in the semi-autonomous region, estimates that at least 800 people have been killed in violent clashes already this year.
The deaths and spreading insecurity are marring what should be a time of celebration as southern Sudanese, who voted for independence in a referendum in January, anticipate their formal break from the north on 9th July.