South Sudan says new rebel group has formed; 43 said killed

This week, more than 50 people were killed in fighting between government forces and rebels in the remote town of Wau.

The United Nations mission in the oil-producing country is sheltering about 12,000 civilians near its base in Wau, spokeswoman Shantal Persaud said by phone.

FOLLOWING the latest outbreak of violence, thousands of South Sudanese civilians have fled their homes and sought refuge at United Nations bases, which are more secure than refugee centres.

Lueth said Fatan was trying to carve out an Islamist state but added that his force included members of the notorious Lord’s Resistance Army, a nominally Christian group that fought a violent insurgency in neighbouring Uganda and has launched attacks across the region.

Fartak could not be reached for comment.

He lashed at those who blamed the government for not implementing the peace deal, saying the agreement would not be implemented without the needed resources.

The deal has been slow to take hold, allowing the country’s economic crisis to steadily worsen.

The long-term conflict that has triggered severe food needs in parts of South Sudan.

“The deteriorating situation coincides with an unusually long and harsh annual lean season, when families have depleted their food stocks and new harvests are not expected until August”.

Makuei said the government has formed eight member committee headed by Health Minister Riek Gai Kok and Justice Minister Paulino Wanawilla as Secretary.

The UN World Food Programme said it was planning to assist 3.3 million people this year with emergency food assistance, life-saving nutritional support and other aid.

In the statement broadcasted on the national TV on Tuesday evening, Lueth said further stressed that is need for shelters to be arranged first in the cantonment areas before soldiers can move into such assembly areas.