Reuters is reporting from Sudan this morning:
KHARTOUM (Reuters) – Six people were killed in clashes between rebel militias and south Sudan’s army Friday and Saturday, the military said a day before a referendum in which the south is expected to vote for independence.
The attacks were a reminder of the deep rifts in the undeveloped south, which has been plagued by ethnic killings and cattle rustling raids.
Philip Aguer, a spokesman for the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) — the southern army — said his forces ambushed fighters loyal to militia leader Galwak Gai in Unity state on Friday and Gai’s men launched a counter-attack Saturday.
“They were coming from the north to disrupt the referendum. It is a known game. The spoilers are always here. They definitely came from Khartoum,” he said.
Southern leaders have regularly accused north Sudan of backing militias to try and disrupt the referendum on whether the oil-producing south should declare independence. Northern leaders have dismissed the accusations.
Aguer said SPLA forces killed two of Gai’s men and captured 26 Friday, then killed four Saturday.
The Canadian Broadcasting Company is reporting a total of nine dead in the clashes:
At least nine people have died during attacks on southern Sudanese troops, ahead of a referendum on secession in the south.
Gunmen targeted the Southern Peoples’ Liberation Army, or SPLA, late Friday and early Saturday in the oil-rich Unity state.
Southern army spokesman Col. Philip Aguer said forces loyal to rebel leader Gatluak Gai attacked SPLA forces in an oil-rich area bordering northern Sudan.
Aguer said six rebels died in the exchanges. It’s not clear whether the other casualties were part of the southern Sudanese military.
Watch this space for developing news throughout the referendum period. And, attend an event near you.
The opinions expressed here are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the position of the Save Darfur Coalition.
Tags: Referendum, South Sudan, Sudan, violence
