South Sudan clashes kill at least 71 people in Rumbek

At least 71 people have been killed in armed clashes in Rumbek, the capital of Lakes State, South Sudan. The interim Ministry of Information reported that the fatalities include four soldiers, specifically a captain and three non-commissioned officers.

The violence reportedly involved two rival factions of the Pakam community fighting for control over grazing lands. Witnesses indicated that a group of outsiders briefly gained control of the town before being repelled by police and military reinforcements. While the fighting has moved outside city limits, government security forces currently maintain control of Rumbek and are working to restore normalcy.

This escalation occurs as South Sudan prepares for its first national elections since independence in 2011, scheduled for December 22. The country is currently under a caretaker administration following the dissolution of the transitional government by President Salva Kiir. The region has a history of frequent conflict regarding agricultural land and grazing rights, which continues to threaten the stability of the 2018 peace agreement.