Sudan: Death toll from tribal clashes in Blue Nile state rises to 18

BLUE NILE, Sept. 02 (YPA) – The death toll from clashes in South Sudan’s Blue Nile state region has risen to 18 despite a ceasefire agreement between tribes, a government aid agency said Friday.

“The region has been witnessing renewed clashes between the Hausa (people) and Blue Nile communities,” Sudan’s Humanitarian Aid Commission said in a statement.

 “Eighteen deaths have been recorded so far and 23 wounded,” it said, adding that thousands had fled.

 The violence flared on Thursday afternoon “without any clear reasons and despite sincere efforts by the government to stop hostilities”, official news agency SUNA said earlier Friday.

 The fighting was centred around East Ganis village and the town of Roseires, SUNA added, quoting a statement from Blue Nile security services.

E.M