Clashes between rival tribe factions in newly formed South Sudan have left more than 600 dead and have led to the theft of up to 30,000 cattle, according to the United Nations on Monday.
Unconfirmed reports say that nearly 1,000 people have been wounded in clashes between the Murle and Lou Nuer tribes in Jonglei State, said Hilde Johnston, special representative of the U.N. secretary-general.
Fighting between the two groups began on Thursday, resulting in the destruction of many homes. Several thousand people are reportedly displaced and nearly 200 people have been abducted, said the U.N.
“This cycle of violence must stop,” Johnson stated. “That so many people have been killed and injured again in such wanton destruction is unacceptable.”
On Friday, the U.N. sent a team to assess and verify the situation on the ground near the conflict areas.
South Sudan last month became the world’s newest nation after it declared its independence from Sudan in the north following decades of civil war.
Johnson said that the two sides need to urgently engage in reconciliation with each other before more clashes take place.
“The security of all South Sudanese people must come first,” Johnson said.
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