JUBA/NAIROBI, 7 January 2010: Violence in Southern Sudan continues to escalate, with the latest incident claiming 140 lives, even as 10 aid agencies called for urgent international intervention to prevent a return to war between the north and south.
A senior UN official said on 7 January that at least 140 people had been killed and 90 wounded during an attack on the Wunchai region of Warrap state.
The fight occurred some time at the beginning of the year but reports emerged only after a UN security team visited the remote area by airplane two days ago.
– Local sources on the ground said at least 140 had been killed and 90 wounded, said Lise Grande, the UN Deputy Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Southern Sudan.
Details of the attack coincided with the launch of a report by 10 aid agencies who cautioned that the successful holding of elections and a referendum, civilian protection, as well as increased development funding for Southern Sudan, were crucial in preventing a return to war five years after the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA).
