The number of civilians who died of thirst after being forcibly displaced from their villages in Panyikang County in Fashoda State due to clashes between government troops and rebel fighters in late April, has reached to at least 50, according to an opposition official.

Last month, at least 10 villagers died of thirst after being displaced from their homes in Panyikang County.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Friday, Morris Orach, the Minister of Information in the rebel-controlled area in Fashoda, said the 50 dead bodies were found along the Fashoda-Tonga road.

He pointed out that the incident took place after thousands of villagers were forced to leave their homes due to clashes between government forces and the opposition in April.

The rebel official pointed out that nearly 60,000 displaced people who fled to Aburoc area are currently experiencing harsh humanitarian conditions due to shortages of food and other basic services.

Last week, the UN human rights chief said up to 50,000 civilians in the Upper Nile region are at imminent risk of human rights violations as government troops close in.

Zeid Ra'ad al-Hussein said that civilians in Aburoc town have nowhere to go, adding that many recently fled a military attack on nearby Kodok town.