South Sudan army soldiers in unidentified area in Central Equatoria state (Photo by REUTERS)

RUMBEK – Heavy fighting between rival groups of armed youths has spread into Rumbek town, the capital of South Sudan’s Lakes State, leaving an undetermined number of people dead and several others wounded, local officials said on Friday.

The violence began on Thursday in Nyangkot village, on the outskirts of Rumbek Central County, where at least four people were reportedly killed in clashes involving armed youths from the Nyang and Pakam communities.

The fighting escalated at around 5 a.m. on Friday, when armed youths from the two communities engaged in renewed clashes that extended into Rumbek town, raising fears of further casualties.

The exact number of people killed or wounded in Friday’s violence remains unclear, as authorities have yet to provide a comprehensive casualty toll.

The latest clashes highlight persistent insecurity in Lakes State, where recurring communal violence has continued despite efforts by local authorities to promote peace and reconciliation among rival communities.

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