JUBA, South Sudan (AP) — A local official says at least 13 people have died and 21 have been injured in clashes at a United Nations site in South Sudan for the protection of displaced civilians.
Fighting broke out on Thursday morning at the site of Malakal between members of the Shilluk and Nuer ethnic groups.
The cause of the fighting was not immediately clear. The situation remained tense amid fears that fighting would resume, Yoannes Kimo, vice president representing those displaced at the site, told The Associated Press by telephone.
The UN office in South Sudan said in a statement that the fighting started with a stabbing, and it called for “calm and order”. He said reports indicated three deaths. The office said its mission had reinforced the military and police presence in the region in “close collaboration” with the army and the authorities.
Deadly violence between ethnic groups and communities still plagues South Sudan years after a 2018 peace deal aimed at ending a five-year civil war. During the conflict, thousands of people took refuge in UN protection sites.