Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Juba (Agenzia Fides) – The Sudanese People's Liberation Army (SPLA, the former guerilla movement that has become the regular armed force of the future State of South Sudan) has once again taken control of the village of Fangak in the State of Jonglei, the scene two days ago of serious clashes between the SPLA and George Athor's forces, a former SPLA commander, who collided with his former comrades. He said on the Sudan Catholic Radio News, a military spokes piece, that in the clashes in Fangak and in Door, 105 people have died. In Fangak there were 89 victims: 39 civilians, including women and children, 20 soldiers and policemen and 30 rebels. There were 95 injured, 65 of whom were civilians.
Athor took up arms against the Government of Juba, after his failure to be elected as Governor of Jonglei, accusing the SPLM (the political wing of the SPLA) of rigging the elections in April 2010. The violent clashes with Athor's rebels occurred shortly after the publication of the final certified results of the referendum on the independence of South Sudan, which was held January 9 to 15. 98.83% of voters were in favour of independence. Southern Sudan, the 54th African State, will become officially independent in July. (LM) (Agenzia Fides 12/2/2011)
