JUBA, Sudan, Nov 2, 2009 (AFP) - Eight people were killed in fighting in south Sudan's tense oil-rich Upper Nile state, a minister said on Monday, as local media reported that the clashes were between rival ethnic groups.
Fighting broke out in the early hours of Sunday morning in the village of Nagdyar, east of Malakal, the state capital of Upper Nile, south Sudan information minister Paul Mayom told AFP.
"We have received reports that at least eight people died in the attack," said Mayom. "That number might increase as we are still waiting for further confirmation from the area."
The clashes came on the first day of a month-long registration period for Sudan's first presidential, legislative and regional elections in 24 years, due next April.
"This was the only incident we have heard of," said Mayom. "Otherwise the registration process has begun calmly, and we hope and expect that it should continue to be like that."
Local media said the clash was between the Dinka and Shilluk ethnic groups, who have fought previously in recent months.
In September, at least 25 died in Upper Nile during clashes between Shilluk and Dinka gunmen.
Mayom said he was unable to provide further details until security forces reported back from the remote region.
Clashes between rival ethnic groups in south Sudan erupt frequently -- often sparked by cattle rustling and disputes over natural resources, while others are retaliation for previous attacks.
However, a string of recent raids has shocked many, with an apparent sharp increase in attacks on women and children, as well as the targeting of homesteads.
More than 2,000 people have died and 250,000 have been displaced in inter-tribal violence across southern Sudan since January, according to the United Nations, which says the rate of violent deaths now surpasses that in the war-torn western region of Darfur.
Under the deal that ended Africa's longest civil war, the south has a six-year transitional period of regional autonomy and takes part in a unity government until a 2011 referendum on self-determination.
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Received by NewsEdge Insight: 11/02/2009 07:51:15
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