Blog #4, 105 Killed in Southern Sudan Fighting.

Ryne Purvis
Feb. 11, 2011
5:23 PM


Two days of fighting in the Southern region of Sudan killed 105 people. The fighting took place between the region's army and a rebel faction. 105 people were killed in two different towns: 39 civilians, 24 southern police and soldiers, and 42 of rebel commander George Athor's men. In addition, about 50 people have been admitted to medical centers, mostly because of gunshot wounds. This fighting came during the same week that the results were announced from the region's independence referendum. 99% of ballots supported independence and so the region is on pace to become a country. However, this shows that violence can break out at any point, especially in a region that experienced 22 years of civil war from 1983-2005. Lt. Gen. George Athor defected from his position in the southern army earlier this year to run for governor in Jonglei state. After losing the April vote, Athor lost the vote and launched a revolt against the southern government, along with an unknown number of his troops. The fighting appeared to be over in September when Athor was granted amnesty, but the past week's events show that the fighting is not over. The UN officials in the area have spoken to both sides and are pleading to end the conflict.

The fighting in this area shows that the local military is not strong or organized enough to deal with the rogues. If the fighting continues the local government should discuss the possibility of seeking foreign aid to help deal with the conflict.