A local official has told Radio Tamazuj that dozens of fighters have been killed in clashes between the SPLA and defected SPLA troops in Northern Bahr al Ghazal State in South Sudan.

The fighting yesterday resulted in 28 dead from the rebel side, according Aweil North Commissioner Kuol Athuai. He claimed that one defected SPLA major-general was among the dead.

He denied rumours that the rebels had overrun the county headquarters Gok Machar saying, “As I am speaking to you now I am at the county headquarters, so it was a lie from the rebels that they claimed to have taken control of Gok Machar.”

The commissioner said the clashes happened at Moiny yesterday morning, describing the place as ‘remote’. The rebels were ‘known’ and ‘they were tired,’ he stated, stressing they did not pose a threat to the county. 

The group of SPLA defectors earlier passed through Aweil South County from Western Bahr al Ghazal, where they deserted in April. They are reportedly traveling on foot with women and children.

Deputy Governor of Northern Bahr el Ghazal Salva Chol Ayat told Radio Tamazuj he could not confirm yet exactly what happened, saying the situation was still developing.

“Let us wait, and then the public will be informed,” said the official, cautioning that the picture of what was happening was still unclear. 

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